In general, cruising makes for a wonderful family vacation, and disastrous child accidents are mercifully few and far between. Even so, as a parent, it pays to be aware of the risks and hazards of cruising with children, and to prepare your kids by taking time to explain safety rules and guidelines before your voyage.

Cruising with toddlers is widely considered to be very safe, as modern cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival are specifically designed with families in mind. Ships feature high, child-proof railings (usually 42 inches or higher) on balconies and public decks, and many balcony doors have secondary locks placed high out of a toddler's reach. Most major lines offer Adventure Ocean or similar "Youth Programs" with age-appropriate, supervised play zones and "Splash Pads" specifically for children who are not yet toilet trained (standard pools usually require children to be out of diapers). For added safety, ships have professional lifeguards on duty at the pools and provide complimentary life jackets for infants and children. While the environment is controlled, parent supervision is still the most critical safety factor, especially in crowded areas or near elevators. Additionally, ships have well-equipped medical centers with doctors and nurses trained to handle common pediatric issues, providing peace of mind for parents traveling with little ones.