Cruising with a baby might seem like an intimidating voyage, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the entire family. From choosing the right cruise line to packing essentials, here’s everything you need to know to set sail with your little one.
Do I need to pay for my baby on a cruise?
In short, this all depends on the cruise line, this varies depending on the cruise company. Certain companies don’t have a charge for infants who share a cabin with two paying adults. Others may offer discounted rates for third and fourth passengers, including babies and children.
Alternatively, some companies may impose adult fare charges for infants. This typically stems from the additional workload they entail for the ship’s staff, such as cleanup, without generating extra revenue through onboard purchases like cocktails, casino chips, and shore excursions.
MSC Cruises are one of the only cruise lines which allows babies and toddlers up to two years old to sail for free, while children aged two to eleven are offered reduced rates. Cunard allows infants up to 23 months to travel free, and two to seventeen-year-olds to sail at a reduced rate.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line offer reduced rates for babies and toddlers, while Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean frequently provide discounted fares and ‘kids sail free’ promotions.
Choose the Right Cruise Line:
Not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to accommodating infants. However there are many family-friendly cruise lines that offer amenities for cruising with a baby, like nursery services, baby-friendly activities, and childcare options.
There are plenty of ships equipped with facilities such as baby-changing stations, baby pools, and pram-friendly pathways.
For example; Disney Cruise Line, Cunard, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are all family friendly cruise lines.
Check Age Requirements:
Before booking your cruise, check the cruise line’s policy on minimum age requirements for infants. MSC is the only cruise line to have no minimum age for babies.
Most other cruise lines have age restrictions, typically requiring infants to be at least six months old at the time of sailing. Ensure your baby meets the eligibility criteria before making any bookings.
Pack Essentials:
When packing for your cruise, prioritise essentials for your baby’s comfort and well-being. But don’t be too worried if you end up forgetting a couple of things, most onboard shops within family friendly ships do stock the essentials; nappies, baby milk, baby cream.
A lot of cruise lines also have speciality laundrettes, ensuring your baby’s clothes are washed separately to everything else. So not to worry when overpacking for your trip.
As well as this, some cruise lines do offer rentals for your infant to prevent overpacking, for example you can hire a pram or a baby carrier for taking your infant around the cruise ship or even in port.
Some cruise lines, such as Cunard and Disney cruise line will offer baby food services, they will be able to mash or puree baby food for you. However other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean do not offer these services. It’s always advisable to bring your own baby food, snack and formula for your infant.
Many cruise lines do offer mini bars in the room to be able to store breast milk, however they are not normally as cold as your fridge at home and may not store your breast milk as fresh.
Prepare for Cabin Life:
Cruise ship cabins are often compact, so many plan accordingly to maximise space and comfort for your family.
Many families on board consider booking a cabin or suite with extra space to accommodate a cot for your infant. Family friendly cruise lines will be able to provide you with a cot upon request, many cruise lines ask you to please request this in advance as they are subject to availability.
Bringing along your infant’s favourite toys, blankets and teddy’s help along the way in ensuring your baby is comfortable in a new environment and doesn’t get bored when in the cabin for periods of time.
Understand Onboard Policies:
Familiarise yourself with the cruise ship’s policies regarding infant care, including meal options, designated baby play areas, and babysitting services. Family-friendly cruise lines offer group babysitting services or kids clubs.
These services range in ages and have different activities/ rooms depending on the age of the child. Family-friendly cruise lines also offer late night services until 10pm for an extra fee, allowing parents to enjoy some adult time while their baby is well cared for.
Many cruise lines do not allow children and babies who are not toilet trained to use the swimming facilities and splash zones on board, only a select few cruise lines, for example, Royal Caribbean and Disney, have specific splash zones which are available to children and infants who are still wearing swim nappies.
Seek Support:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from cruise staff if you need assistance during your trip. Cruising with a baby will be scary at first, but family-friendly cruise lines offer dedicated staff trained in infant care, and don’t forget to speak with your fellow passengers on board with children, you never know, they may be willing to offer advice or support based on their own experiences.
Create Memories:
Above all, cherish the opportunity to create lasting memories with your family during your cruise.
Take plenty of photos, participate in onboard activities together, and savour the moments spent bonding with your baby amidst the backdrop of the open sea.
Cruising with a baby can be a rewarding experience with proper planning and preparation.
By choosing the right cruise line, packing essentials, understanding onboard policies, and prioritising safety and flexibility, you can enjoy a memorable and stress-free vacation with your little one aboard a cruise ship. Take a look at our recent blog Best Family Cruises for 2024 for your next family holiday inspiration.
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