Disney Cruise Line Archives

June 22, 2022August 12, 2022

Cruise Ships With Lifeguards

Considering cruising is extremely water-centric, you would think that lifeguards aboard ships would be standard practice. Surprisingly, that’s not the case. If you want to put your mind at ease, especially when traveling with small children, consider sailing these cruise lines, all of which have lifeguards onboard.

Disney Cruise Lines

Disney cruise lines added lifeguards fleetwide in 2013. Lifeguards are on duty at the family pools during regular operating hours. During busy hours multiple lifeguards are stationed throughout the pool area for safety and to minimize risks to swimmers by enforcing rules. In addition to lifeguards, life jackets are also available.

Norweigan Cruise Line

In 2018, Norwegian Cruise Line added lifeguards to family pools across their fleet stating that while parents are always the first line of supervision when it comes to water safety, it’s essential to provided added measures. Norweigan also offers swim vests for both adults and children near towel stations on the ships pool deck.

Royal Caribbean

It’s safety first on Royal Caribbean where lifeguards, enhanced signage, and swim vests add levels of protection to every pool on board. The fleet’s lifeguards are trained and certified by StarGuard Elite, an industry leader in water risk prevention. Swim vests are also available at towel stations on every ship, in every class. To educate children and adults on water safety, fun programs are offered, as well as swim lessons provided by trained lifeguards onboard select ships.

If you choose a cruise line that does not have lifeguards onboard, here are a few tips to keep your children safe while at sea.

Water Safety Tips While Cruising

Follow the American Red Cross’ Circle of Drowning Prevention: Have adults designate a “watcher” who does nothing but monitor the kids in the water for a set amount of time.

Teach your children to swim before going on a water vacation.

Have inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Always swim with a buddy.

Parents, learn CPR. The amount of time you administer CPR before medics arriving could save a life.

Download the Swim by American Red Cross App. This app teaches water safety through fun games and videos.

July 14, 2019July 2, 2019

Our Favorite Cruises for Babies

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.

June 24, 2019June 18, 2019

Disney Reveals 2020 Fall Cruise Schedule

Disney Cruise Line cruises are a big favorite among families. With the added magic of Disney and all of the exciting characters, there are so many events and activities that are perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, Disney is known for its above-quality customer service and satisfaction. If you’ve been dreaming of giving a Disney cruise a try, you’re in luck! They recently revealed their 2020 fall cruise schedule, which also highlights plenty of holiday cruise experiences. Now is the time to start planning ahead for your family vacation.

For those seeking a holiday cruise experience, there are Halloween and Christmas offerings. The Halloween on the High Seas cruises set sail in September and October while the Very Merrytime cruises sail in November and December. These cruises visit several destinations including the Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Panama Canal, and Canada. All announced journeys will take place on the Disney Dream, Disney Wonder, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Magic ships.

Here are some example itineraries and dates that have been announced for fall 2020:

Departing October 2 aboard the Disney Magic: 2020 10-Night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise from Dover England to New York

Departing November 16 aboard the Disney Wonder: 2020 14-Night Very Merrytime Seas Eastbound Panama Canal Cruise from San Diego to Galveston

Departing October 19 and October 26 aboard the Disney Fantasy: 2020 4-Night Halloween on the High Seas Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

Departing November 1 aboard the Disney Wonder: 2020 5-Night Baja Cruise from San Diego

Check out the full lineup and fall 2020 itinerary. Once you see the magic on and off ship, you’ll quickly see why so many individuals and families choose to book a Disney cruise experience. Check out our insider tips and our Disney 101 article before booking your trip.

June 8, 2019May 31, 2019

The Top 3 Family-Friendly Cruises in Northern Europe

From nature’s spectacular display of Northern Lights to the majestic Norwegian fjords, Northern Europe is the perfect place to find adventure, and not just for adults. From ship to shore, cruises offer a range of activities and interests for the entire family. So, if you’re wondering where to go on your next family vacation, let us help. These top three cruises to Northern Europe are a great way to bond in the British Isles and connect as a family in Copenhagen.

MSC

Brimming with enchanted castles, glistening fjords and postcard-worthy landscapes Northern Europe offers a host of amusement for the entire family. And, no one quite understands discovering amazing destinations as a family quite like MSC. After all, they are a family-owned company. Aqua Parks and high tech gaming attractions entertain tech-savvy teens. Even meal times make dining pleasant with three innovative activities: Fun Time Dinner, Happy Dinners, and Kids Around the Clock. But everyone knows it’s also essential to have some quality adult time away from our brood. MSC recently launched the MSC Baby Care Service, for children 1 to 3 years, at the Mini Club. Equally appealing to parents is the baby laundry service, because let’s face it, kids are messy. Clothes are collected from your cabin and delivered back to you. Young kids and teens have their very own club away from the little ones with weekly events to rival any adult function like the Teens White Party, The Proms Teen Formal Night and Hey Mr. DJ. Sports tournaments, dance contests, and so much more assures that everyone is having fun, even hard-to-please teens.

Holland America

A dazzling array of delights await on Holland America Line’s Northern Europe cruise. While you may think Holland America Line appeals to more mature guests, it’s a great choice for families as well. Club HAL, for those 3-17 years, keeps the kids entertained with arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, themed parties, and more. Three unique programs cater to kids, tweens, and teens, ensuring they are with other guests their age. Holland America Line will even assist with the placement of a child with special needs into the appropriate HAL Club. And mom and dad can relax with a signature treatment at Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Well-appointed accommodations make cruising with your family a comfortable experience. Book the Pinnacle Suite for up to 1290 square feet of living space including a verandah.

Disney Cruise Line

Yes, Disney Cruise Line often tops our list of family favorite cruises, but it goes without saying, Disney knows how to create magical family memories. Sail the 7-night Northern Europe cruise to Copenhagen in accommodations designed for families with privacy curtains and storage spaces. Kids will love the Disney themed entertainment with their favorite characters. Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab offer engaging activities and once in a lifetime encounters with Star Wars, Marvel and Disney Pixar characters. And don’t worry about your picky eaters, even they will find something delicious between themed restaurants, buffets and room service. While the little ones are entertained at the kid’s club, sneak away to the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool for some much-needed relaxation and libations or an intimate, romantic dinner at the all adult exclusive Palo or Remy.