Everything you need to plan the smoothest and most memorable cruise with children—from toddlers to teens.
Taking your family on a cruise can be one of the best vacations you’ll ever experience. Between endless onboard entertainment, kids’ clubs, and all-you-can-eat buffets, it’s a floating paradise for everyone in your crew—if you plan ahead. In this post, we’ll guide you through the do’s and don’ts of cruising with kids with tons of helpful examples and expert tips.
You’ll also learn how to use iCruiseApp’s CruisVisor™ Recommender to find the best family-friendly cruises, Compare Tool to evaluate ships side-by-side, and explore verified Traveler Reviews to make sure the ship’s kids’ club is as good as it sounds.
✅ Do’s: Set Yourself Up for Family Cruise Success
1. Book a Family-Friendly Cruise Line
Start with the right ship. Not all cruise lines cater equally to children. Look for ships with water parks, family pools, kids’ clubs, and family-friendly staterooms. Use iCruiseApp’s Explore Feature to discover cruise lines with great family amenities like Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, MSC, and Carnival.
2. Choose the Right Cabin
Pick a stateroom that fits your family. Many ships offer family suites or connecting rooms. A seasoned 12-year-old cruiser suggests booking a cabin near the stern (back of the ship), closer to kids’ clubs and buffets.
3. Use the Kids’ Clubs
Most cruise lines offer kids’ programming by age. Carnival’s Camp Ocean™, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean®, and Disney’s Oceaneer Club are just a few examples. Kids have fun, and you get downtime.
4. Stick to Some Routine
If your kids are used to a nap or lunch schedule, try to maintain it. Drop them off at clubs during those times to avoid meltdowns. Consistency goes a long way with little cruisers.
5. Pack Smart
Don’t forget essentials like swimsuits, sunscreen, hats, and a favorite stuffed animal. Over-the-door organizers are great for small cabin storage. Also pack meds for motion sickness, fevers, or colds.
6. Talk About the Trip in Advance
Help kids know what to expect. Talk about the ship, the activities, and ports of call. Involve them in the excitement! One parent even hosted a “Zoom family meeting” to prep the whole group.
7. Choose Family-Friendly Excursions
Not every tour is kid-friendly. Shorter, interactive excursions like beach days, dolphin encounters, or mild hikes are better suited to young travelers. You can search shore excursions by port on iCruiseApp before you book.
8. Join Family Activities
Trivia contests, dance parties, pizza-making classes—get in on the fun! Cruise ships host daily family events that are perfect for bonding and memory-making.
9. Bring Snacks and Entertainment
While food is plentiful, it’s smart to pack portable snacks and activities for port days and quiet time. Think Goldfish, coloring books, or a tablet with downloaded shows.
10. Check Reviews Before You Book
Read what other families say about the ship, staff, and kids’ facilities. You can do this in seconds using iCruiseApp’s Reviews. Bonus: filter reviews by rating, ship, and cruise line.
🚫 Don’ts: What to Avoid When Cruising with Kids
1. Don’t Skip the Fine Print
Some cruise lines don’t allow infants under 6 months (12 months for longer voyages). Also check if your child needs to be potty-trained for certain clubs.
2. Don’t Let Kids Roam Unsupervised
Even on family cruises, establish rules and boundaries. Make a plan if you get separated and give older kids walkie-talkies or the ship’s messaging app.
3. Don’t Forget Important Docs
Passports are strongly recommended, even on closed-loop U.S. cruises. Bring birth certificates for younger children and ensure medical consent forms are packed if traveling without both parents.
4. Don’t Overpack
Cabins are small. Skip the “just in case” items and stick to basics plus a few creature comforts.
5. Don’t Ignore Safety Drills
It might seem boring, but kids should understand muster stations and lifeboat protocols. Let the crew handle it like the pros, and follow along.
6. Don’t Plan Every Minute
Leave time for rest and spontaneity. Kids might love the ice cream station more than the historic walking tour. Go with the flow.
💡 Final Thoughts: Let iCruiseApp Help You Plan the Perfect Family Sailing
Cruising with kids can be magical—if you do it right. From picking the perfect ship to packing smart and planning port days, a little prep goes a long way. With iCruiseApp’s tools, you can:
- ✔️ Use the CruisVisor™ Recommender to find the perfect family cruise
- ✔️ Compare ships and lines side-by-side
- ✔️ Explore ports and excursions
- ✔️ Read traveler reviews for kid-focused feedback
You’re just one step away from stress-free cruising with your crew 👨👩👧👦.
