Are toddlers allowed in cruise ship pools?

The U.S. Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships. Even if your child isn't toilet trained, he or she is welcome to enjoy the water play areas on board each ship while wearing a swim diaper.



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There are very few cruise ships that have water facilities that allow children in swim diapers. These are the Disney ships, and RCI's Oasis, Quantum, Freedom class ships and a few Voyager class ships. Those ships have splash zones that are specifically designed, constructed, and operated to USPH requirements.

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Some ships have no baby-sitting for kids younger than three-years-old. In that case, you will need to take your kids, awake or asleep, with you to your evening activities, or have someone stay in the cabin with them while they sleep. It's not safe to leave your child on his or her own in a cruise cabin.

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Overall, whether it is worth taking a 2-year-old on a cruise depends on your individual circumstances. If you enjoy spending time with your toddler and the cruise ship offers amenities and activities that are appropriate for their age, cruising with toddlers can be a fun and memorable experience.

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The doors to the balcony have two locks, and one is towards the top of the door. It would be very difficult for a small child to reach that lock unless they pulled a chair over to the door and climbed on it. The balconies also have walls and railings with plexi-glass that are at least 42 inches or taller.

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You will want some kind of stroller or baby carrier for taking your child around the cruise ship and in port. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have rentals available; MSC offers loaners. You will need to store strollers in your cabin, so we recommend bringing a small umbrella stroller, rather than a large baby jogger.

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Minimum Age to Sail Babies must be six months old to cruise. For Atlantic and Pacific crossings, world cruise segments and many of the exotic itineraries, children must be at least one year old. Children younger than two who sail as the third or fourth passenger in a cabin generally cruise for free.

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Children between the ages of 2 and 12 are more likely to experience motion sickness. This is likely because their sensory systems have not fully developed, and are more prone to mixing signals up. If your child is younger than 2 years, they may experience motion sickness but be unable to express how they feel.

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If your baby is old enough to sit up, you can simply sit them in the shower and spray water on them. If your baby is very small, you might find the sink to be an easier option. If you really want to give your baby a proper bath, an inflatable bathtub may be the answer.

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The U.S. Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet trained are permitted to enter swimming pools and spas aboard cruise ships. Even if your child isn't toilet trained, he or she is welcome to enjoy the water play areas on board each ship while wearing a swim diaper.

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And in fact, a cruise vacation is one of the best trips you can take with a small child. No matter where you go on the ship, you are only a few minutes from your room. That makes it perfect for midday naps, means you don't have to carry around a ton of baby supplies, and there is plenty to see and do without going far.

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Most cruise ships provide cribs and high chairs upon request. Requests can be made when booking on Costcotravel.com or by calling 1-866-921-7925 to speak with a Costco Travel expert. Some cruise lines may also allow you to request these items through your cruise line online account or when you board the cruise ship.

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It provides free cruise fare for third guests and higher who are 12 years old and younger as of departure date on sailings 3 nights or longer booked in the same stateroom as the first two qualifying guests in a triple or quad occupancy stateroom.

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Royal Caribbean International The line's current Kids Sail Free” deal lets children 12 or younger cruise free, provided they are the third guests (or beyond) in the same cabin as at least two paying adults.

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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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Pack Wisely
  1. Diapers (if your child still uses them)
  2. Wipes.
  3. Formula (if needed), otherwise you can get regular milk everywhere on the ship.
  4. Sun hat.
  5. Portable sound machine (you'll all be sharing a small cabin) – our Hushhh worked great!
  6. Teething toys.
  7. Few books.
  8. Snacks (especially for the first day!)


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