Don’t let having a baby deter you from taking your dream cruise. While there are stipulations, most ships require an infant to be six months old at the time of embarkation and 12 months for transatlantic cruises, a cruise with a baby can be a great vacation. Just be sure to choose one that caters to families and small children. Here’s a list of top picks.
Disney Cruise Line
Supplies:
Complimentary diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, cribs, and playpens are available upon request from the stateroom host/hostess. Guest services provide strollers.
Complimentary high chairs are available at all of the restaurants onboard.
At Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, complimentary wagons is available to facilitate navigating the island’s sandy beaches.
Essential baby supplies are available for purchase at the onboard merchandise shops, including diapers, training pants, rash cream, infant formula (ready to feed), bottles, pacifiers, baby food, baby shampoo, baby lotion, and baby powder.
Baby Food:
Freshly pureed vegetables can be prepared at the main dining rooms and through room service, upon request. Guests may bring baby food and formula onboard the ship as carry-on items as long as they are pre-packaged, unopened and do not require any food preparation from the kitchen. All complimentary services and amenities are offered on a first-come, first served basis.
Nursery:
Nurseries are for children ages six months to 3 years and offer extended hours to accommodate the ships’ many activities.
“It’s a Small World“ Nursery! is located on Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, and Disney Wonder.
Royal Caribbean
Supplies:
Royal Caribbean offers the “Babies 2 Go!” program, where parents can pre-order Huggies diapers, wipes, and cream, as well as organic Gerber baby food to their room both before and throughout their cruise. You can purchase the packages by calling (800) 722-5443 in the U.S. or Canada.
Pack and play is included.
Baby Food:
There is milk available pretty much everywhere on board. You can ask your stateroom attendant to clear your mini fridge and to “stockpile” milk for use later. If your child is old enough for solids, there is a special children’s menu, or you can bring your baby food on board and store it in your room.
Nursery:
Royal Baby and Tot Nursery (6-36 months) available on Freedom of the Seas accommodates a certain amount of children per staff member (1:3 ratio for children 6-18 months; 1:4 ratio for 19-36 months). Make a reservation in advance. Cost is $8 per child per hour. There is also an option for in-room babysitting, but costs are higher for this service.
Norwegian
Supplies:
Crib or pack and play is available upon request.
Baby Food:
Sealed baby food can be brought on board but must be stored in your cabin.
Nursery
The Splash Academy accommodates ages 6 Months – Under 3 Years Old with sensory play, music and movement and colors.
With advance planning and helpful cruise agents, traveling with your baby can be smooth sailing, especially on our favorite family ships! Make sure to check out our guide to traveling with babies so you can be fully prepared.
