It was an incomparable cruise with my little baby on my last vacation. Though the first few hours she was restless, after a while my baby became entertained and relaxed.
I followed some beneficial tips to make my journey smoother. The result was exciting. It requires good planning and proper preparation for cruising with a baby. Check your cruise wisely to have an enjoyable experience with your youngsters.
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Are cruises baby friendly?
Yes, many cruises are baby friendly, with multiple amenities for babies. And You Bring a Stroller on a Disney Cruise
You can find a variety of specialized areas on cruise ships for babies, such as kids’ clubs, nurseries, play zones, cribs, diaper-changing areas, muster stations, etc.
However, you must research cruise policies before booking as it varies with different cruise lines. Some cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean, permit onboard stroller facilities.
Do’s for Cruising With a Baby
Cruising with a baby is exciting every time if you follow some important things in your entire journey. From my own experience, here I have enlisted 17 do’s for cruising with a baby. You must keep an eye on these tips before you are ready to cruise.
1. Book a cruise in advance
You should book a cruise in advance to get your preferable cabin configuration with the best dining setting. It’s wise to check the weather forecasting before your booking. Try to leave the house early on your day of the trip.
2. Research the cruise sheep
Before booking, you must research well about the cruise sheep to ensure your baby remains happy and entertained the whole journey. Things you should check-
- Availability of portable cribs on a cruise to sleep well.
- Availability of a nursery and kids club.
- Separated portions with curtains in the cabin so that you can enjoy your space when the baby has fallen asleep.
- Research the food they offer to babies and you both.
- Check the refrigeration option available if your baby eats pureed or mashed food. If you have to store breastmilk then refrigeration is a must.
- In case of emergency, you must be prepared with a life jacket. Check whether a life jacket for your baby is available in the cabin. However, a life jacket is also needed for your baby if she/he intends to swim.
3. Plan activities for your baby
To entertain and make the baby interact with other children you must look for the schedule of events on the cruise. Then you can make a plan of activities for your baby. Don’t let your baby be cranky.
There are numerous amenities such as arcades, water parks, sports, and story time that happen on the cruise. Make a list of where your child should engage and make fun to do.
4. Pack everything you will need
Make a list of everything that you will need on a cruise. Take the passport or birth certificate of your baby. Pack enough clothes, and swimsuits for your baby. Babies tend to change diapers and wipers frequently.
So, take multiple diapers and wipers as per needed, and be careful about overpacking as the cabin is a small space. You can pack some new toys to distract them at an inopportune time. Don’t forget to take useful utensils which will be needed on the cruise.
You can bring a nightlight in case you have to wake up in the middle of the night to check on your baby or use the restroom. If your baby is a formula feeder, then pack sufficient formula. Remember that you can’t take homemade food with you. You are only allowed to take jarred food.
Aside from these, take sunscreen, a silicone placemat, a hat, and some magnetic hooks to dry the clothes or swimsuits. The most important thing you can take is a baby monitor if you think you will not be able to supervise your children for 24 hours.
5. Book a cabin with a balcony or window
Aren’t you interested to see stars gazing at night while enjoying the scenic views of the ocean at a time? Yes, this is the most satisfying moment for me. A cabin with a balcony or window allows you to get fresh air, you can spend your personal time with sea breeze. You can arrange a romantic dinner or celebrate a special occasion with your spouse while your baby is sleeping in the cabin.
6. Bring a foldable stroller
If you are comfortable with your own baby stroller then check the availability of taking a stroller on a cruise. Take a lightweight and compact stroller if the cruise line allows the stroller onboard.
Don’t take a jogger stroller, as they are so big and bulkier. Bring an umbrella stroller instead which is easily foldable. Check the best lightweight travel stroller for your cruising.
Take an inflatable bathtub
Most of the cruise cabins don’t have bathtubs. If you have a very little baby to stand up for a shower, then take an inflatable bathtub.
8. Stick to your baby’s routine
Try to keep your baby’s daily routine as close to a regular day. Your baby’s nap, food habits, and bedtime should be on time. This is the only way you can help them to feel more convenient, comfortable, entertained, and relaxed on the cruise.
9. Check the dining package
In my case, it was messy while taking dinner with my baby. She wasn’t stable for five minutes to sit through a formal meal. That’s why check the dining package before you book a cruise. It is really easy to be in the 24-hour buffet while your baby is taking a nap in a stroller.
10. Take an outlet adapter
If your kid loves to play games, stream shows or movies then take an outlet adapter. Most of the cruises have only one outlet facility in the cabin.
11. Use the available resources on the cruise
To give yourself personal time, take advantage of the available resources on the cruise. If your baby is potty trained, she/he can easily enjoy the kids club. Use the nursery for play spaces, and ask for a crib if your baby loves to take naps in crib-it’s free.
The most beneficial part is, most of the cruise line provides dedicated licensed childcare facilities. So, you are getting more personal spaces to relax with your partner in a sun deck or empty lounge.
12. Be careful about safety
Your baby’s safety largely depends on you. Check the CDC guidelines on pre-travel and during travel health safety on the cruise.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
13. Pack a first-aid box
Sea sickness is common in kids and elders if this is your first voyage. Keep ready all remedies if any symptoms are seen. Keep ready over-the-counter medicine.
Crusing strollers are not like regular strollers. Therefore, I created a list of 10 Best Stroller For A Cruise Ship
Don’ts for Cruising With a Baby
1. Bring a newborn less than 6 months old
It’s not a wise decision to bring a newborn less than 6 months old. You never know their reaction to their first cruise trip. In fact, you won’t be able to enjoy cruising. However, only the younger toddlers can enjoy the adventure journey.
2. Indifferent about dirt in the cabin
You must not be indifferent about dirt in the cabin as your baby will crawl around the ground. It’s really a health concern for them.
3. Careless about the baby-proof room
The cabin room has limited space to keep your luggage, medicine, gadgets, etc. You should be prepared for messy surroundings. I didn’t lock the refrigerator and interior mini bar; guess what! My baby opened it and messed up everything. Try to make the room baby-proof, besides bringing some outlet covers if needed.
4. Leave the baby unattended
Don’t leave your baby unattended on the cruise ship. Always supervise them, if you aren’t able to supervise them all the time, then take a baby monitor or try for a babysitting service.
5. Forget to pack essentials
Remember one thing, don’t assume that the ship will have everything you need on the cruise. They might have baby food and diapers. But not every little stuff for your baby. Bring enough supplies in case you need them.
6. Ignore your baby’s needs
Always prioritize your baby’s needs and make sure they are comfortable and relaxed on the cruise. Otherwise, a cranky baby will destroy the whole amusement of the journey.
7. Leave your baby with a stranger
Some cruise lines offer babysitting services. Don’t leave your loved one without checking the qualification or credentials of the childcare. Always leave them with a trusted one.
8. Ignore safety guidelines
Always maintain the safety guidelines provided by cruise lines. If you aren’t careful enough with your health, how will you take care of your baby?
9. Overpack the stuff
Your baby doesn’t need ten swimsuits in one day. Take what you need exactly, and don’t overpack with unnecessary pieces of stuff, as you will get limited space in the cabin.
10. Overstimulate your baby
It’s okay to make them playful to entertain them on the cruise. But don’t overstimulate them; it leads to stress and difficulty sleeping.
11. Assume everything will go smoothly
Obviously, it’s a great experience cruising with a baby. You might have a baby-proof room or have taken a babysitting service. But be careful about the safety of your baby and be prepared for unexpected challenges.
12. Book a long excursion trip
It’s not a good decision to book a long excursion trip as most the babies can’t handle the cruising. Fix your vacation duration based on your baby’s age and the ability to adapt to a new environment. Keep the vacation easy and simple, don’t make it wild for them.
13. Go swimming with your baby if your baby is still in a diaper
Not all cruise lines allow babies to go swimming who are still in diapers. Your baby must be potty trained or should wear splash pads.
14. Learn the muster station
It might happen that you and your baby are separated from each other. So, what’s the procedure for reuniting? Well! Don’t worry. Find your assigned muster station. Every child is given a wristband on a cruise, if you are not with your baby, then the staff will take them to that muster station to reunite with you.
15. Forget to enjoy yourself
Remember one thing. It’s also your vacation with your baby. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy yourself with your spouse. Try to attend a buffet dinner, casino, or evening party.
Final words
When it comes to cruising it’s more struggling to make a smoother journey with a baby. Here you are getting a chance to sail together. As a parent, you know well how tricky it is to keep your baby healthy and entertained during a journey. Follow the discussed guidelines to ensure a great journey with your baby.
Best wishes for your next adventure!
More resources:
Can You Bring a Stroller on a Disney Cruise | Secrets Revealed
Can You Bring a Stroller on a Cruise | Cruise Smarter, Not Harder
7 Reasons Why Are Strollers So Big? Style or Necessity!
Benefits Of Hiking With Baby| Physical & Mental
My name is Olivia Brown, and I’m a New York-based blogger and stay-at-home parent. Former business executive enjoying retirement and time with kids Lily and Max. On my blog, I review things for kids and offer my honest thoughts and insights to other parents who may be having the same or similar experiences.
