How do you manage kids on a cruise?

9 Tips for Controlling Your Kids on a Cruise
  1. Pick the right ship and itinerary for your family. ...
  2. Lay down the law. ...
  3. Talk about sex, drugs and alcohol. ...
  4. Read the cruise rules to the gang in advance of your vacation. ...
  5. Respect the minimum age policies. ...
  6. Avoid mealtime meltdowns. ...
  7. Keep tabs on free-roaming children.




People Also Ask

Yes, many ships offer family-friendly cruise activities. Programming might include parades, deck parties, fireworks displays, water shows and breakfasts or meet-and-greets with favorite characters. Some lines have video game systems and host tournaments, and most have arcades.

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Kids can often take part in kids' club or accompany their parents to take part in the many “things to do” on a cruise ship. My kids really enjoy water slides, climbing walls and ropes courses, some of these are high above the ship, too scary for me, but they loved them.

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Use the buddy system. While there isn't always safety in numbers, it's better than being alone. Have siblings/friends from your travel group stick together, or if kids are hanging out with new friends, parents might want to make a point to meet them (and their parents).

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  • Never go into someone else's cabin or invite someone into yours.
  • Never accept a drink from someone else or leave yours unattended.
  • Check in on a regular basis.
  • You must be in the cabin by your curfew.
  • No horseplay.
  • Adult areas are off limits without parental supervision.
  • Use the buddy system.
  • Stay sober.


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However, in general, minors under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a responsible adult in the same stateroom or a connecting stateroom. Some cruise lines may have family suites or cabins that can accommodate families with children. These cabins may have a separate sleeping area for children or bunk beds.

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The safety measures that cruise lines have on balconies are not foolproof. Kids can be very creative to get what they want. Always keep the balcony door locked, and accompany your children on the balcony. Talk to your kids about balcony safety and explain your rules, even if your kids are older and should know better.

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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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Yes, you can bring your baby with you on your cruise vacation. With the exception of some adults-only ships, most cruise lines allow you to cruise with a baby who's 6 months or older. On certain itineraries -- usually exotic cruises and long ocean crossings -- the minimum age for kids is one year or older.

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The perfect age for taking your kids on a cruise is when they are old enough to be excited about the experience -- when they want to check out the ship and get excited about exploring in ports of call. Maybe they are more attracted by daily ice cream, pool time and Ping-Pong than cultural immersion, but that's OK.

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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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Cruise fares are per person which includes children and infants. When traveling with 2 full fare guests, additional guests in the same stateroom pay a discounted cruise fare.

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Yes! You will find the most kid-friendly options on family-oriented cruise lines such as Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and Norwegian, and the least on luxury lines or small ships geared more toward adults.

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Cruise fares are per person which includes children and infants. When traveling with two full fare guests, additional guests in the same stateroom pay a discounted cruise fare.

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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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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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Your balcony is somewhat private, but gaps around the dividers mean others might get an eyeful if you're not careful. As well, sounds can travel. At first glance, there's no one around to see you if you end up getting down on the balcony. But don't think that it is ultra-private.

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It is true that a parent who has sole custody of their child or children does not need permission from the other parent to travel domestically or abroad. Parents with sole custody will have to provide their court-ordered custody arrangement to get the child's passport.

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