With endless entertainment, great food and the ability to wake up in a new destination every day, cruising is an ideal vacation for many, including families who love the style of travel for its versatility and kid-friendly amenities. However, with planning an adventure at sea comes a slew of questions, especially when you add youngsters to the mix. To help, we’ve compiled a short list of cruising FAQs to prepare family travelers for their next ocean getaway.
How Old Do Kids Need To Be To Sail?
Typically, children must be at least six months of age at the time of embarkation to sail. That being said, in some cases, children must be at least a year or older at the time of embarkation. To verify which is true for their itinerary, families can check with their travel advisor or directly with the brand in advance.
Fun and Entertainment
When it comes to things to do, travelers of all ages will find plenty of fun and entertainment aboard a cruise. And, with programs like kids clubs available on most mainstream lines, even the youngest of kiddos are taken into consideration. Typically available to kids ages three to 17, these are spaces where children can participate in curated activities tailored to their age group. Always supervised by trained staff members, kids clubs are a great option for parents looking to sneak away for a few hours as they’re typically drop-off programs. Plus, some even include nurseries and play spaces for babies and toddlers.
In addition to kids clubs, cruises offer no shortage of activities for families looking to make memories together. From poolside movie screenings and dance lessons to games and thrilling attractions like ziplines, racetracks and trampolines, there’s something for everyone.
Of course, some things are off-limits. Activities with a focus on drinking, gambling or spa treatments are often limited to guests ages 18 and older.
Pool FAQs
Speaking of poolside fun, pools, hot tubs and waterslides are limited to children who have successfully graduated from potty training. Following guidelines set by the Center for Disease Control’s Vessel Sanitation Program, swim diapers are not allowed in most shipboard pools, splash pads or spray parks. Travelers can contact their cruise line or advisor to determine which water activities are suitable for their children.
Food, Snacks and Room Service
After a long day at sea, families can fuel up on tasty eats with options like sit-down restaurants, grab-and-go snack bars, bottomless buffets, room service and more. Best of all, there are limited restrictions as to where children can dine, offering travelers of all ages a variety of flavors and experiences to choose from.
Most sit-down restaurants offer a children’s menu with kid-approved offerings like chicken nuggets, pizza, burgers and more. On the flip side, buffets are a winning option as they allow young travelers to build their own plate with cuisine from around the world (or food from the kids’ section for picky eaters).
As for feeding infants, travelers have a few options: 1) Ask restaurant staff to puree some food, 2) bring pre-packaged jars or pouches or, if applicable, 3) use pre-packed baby food provided by the ship.
Other Necessities
Packing for a trip can be stressful, especially with little ones in tow. While it's not common among all cruise lines, some sell diapers and wipes if travelers forget theirs at home. Additionally, items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen and clothes are almost always readily available.
As for accommodations, many brands provide portable cribs like Pack ‘n Plays, to travelers who request them in advance. Additionally, families traveling with bottles and milk will want to verify if a mini-fridge comes standard in their cabin or if they need to request one in advance.
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