Are cruises good with children?

Family cruises are popular, and it's easy to see why. Today's best cruise lines have pulled out all the stops to create the perfect trip at sea for kids, including the addition of children's clubs, onboard water parks and staterooms with plenty of space.



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Loads of laughter and unforgettable experiences go hand-in-hand when cruising with your kids. Royal Caribbean's games, events, and cruise activities for kids are going on all over the ship throughout the day and into the evening hours, making family time a great time.

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And while going overboard on cruise ships is a rare incidence, it does happen occasionally – young children that climb on the railings are particularly at risk. Kids roam free. While cruise ships are confined areas, they are large and full of safety hazards.

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The intimate ships of high-end lines like Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (or ultra-premium lines, such as Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Azamara and Viking Ocean Cruises) are refined, dignified and geared to adults.

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Keep young children under close supervision at all times. The guardrails on most cruise ships are at least 42-inches high, which makes them a challenge for a young child to scale, but kids should definitely not climb them or sit on top. And it's a good idea to be careful any time you're near the edge of the ship. 2.

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Cruises are fun for kids of all ages, and there are plenty of activities to keep your toddlers entertained. Kids under the age of 3 can enjoy Toddler Time at the ship's playroom, where they'll be able to play with educational toys and interact with other kids around their age.

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Royal Caribbean wins out in most categories, but Carnival offers a solid budget- and family-friendly option. Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel.

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In very general terms, cruising attracts adults ranging in age from their 30s through to their 80s, and you will not find a ship full, exclusively, of 20 year olds.

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What Is the Average Age of Passengers on Cruise? Passengers of diverse age groups are welcome on cruise ships. There are also endless activities for people of all age groups to make their vacations memorable. Nevertheless, the average age of cruise ship passengers is generally 47 years.

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A seven-night cruise is usually the best option for a family getaway. While your wallet or schedule might require a shorter sailing or permit a longer voyage, plan a week-long vacation — at least for your first cruise or two.

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But, if you can splurge, balcony staterooms on a cruise ship are awesome. If your kids are still in the napping phase, you can relax on your balcony while your kids are napping. Balconies give you extra living space and make your stateroom feel larger. On sea days, the upper decks are crowded.

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Cribs/Sleeping Areas: Cruise lines make it easier by providing a crib or sleeping area for your child at no extra charge. You should call the cruise line well in advance (2+ weeks from your cruise date) to request a crib be placed in your room.

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Resorts could offer a pricing structure that's one flat rate per night for guests no matter their age, but they don't tend to do that. Teenagers will generally cost less than adults, kids will be less than them, and babies under age two may cost less or even be free.

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Each resort has its own formula for how they charge guests, but the bottom line is this: kids and teens will usually cost less than adults, but they are almost never free.

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Children under the age of 16 who are citizens of the U.S. or Canada are exempt from the passport requirement for land and sea border crossings.

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Kids Sail Free offer details The exact offer details may vary, but Royal Caribbean's Kids Sail Free offers are usually consistent in their basics. Third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4 nights or longer sailings are eligible for free cruise fare.

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What to Know About Avoiding Sea Sickness. Sea sickness isn't often a problem for kids on big cruise ships, but you do have some options to treat and prevent motion sickness, whether it is in a boat, plane, or car.

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Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim diapers) are not allowed in any of the water facilities on board, as per United States Public Health Services. Toilet trained children should be taken on frequent bathroom breaks. Water sports include pools, spray parks, waterslides and whirlpools.

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As a rule of thumb, sailing when school is in session means fewer kids on the ship. That means avoiding times like the Christmas holidays, Spring Break, and summer. Meanwhile, you'll find few kids if you sail right before or after these holidays.

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