Traveling with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’re cruising! In this episode, Allison shares why cruising is a fantastic option for families with little ones and offers her top tips for packing, onboard routines, and choosing the right cruise line. From toddler-friendly amenities to nap-time strategies, you’ll learn how to make your family vacation easier, more fun, and filled with great memories.
Benefits of Cruising with Toddlers
Cruising can be a great vacation for families with toddlers for many reasons. First, everything is so close. You can be at the pool and back in your room for a nap in 5 minutes. If a little one needs a nap, the other children over 3 can go to the children’s activities, so they don’t have to stop the fun. Parent’s can enjoy some quiet time out on the balcony while the little one naps.
All the food is included and readily available. It makes it easy to get fruit, a snack, etc. throughout the day. You don’t have to worry about purchasing a full meal and wasting it. If a little one wakes up from a nap hungry, it is no problem. Run up to the buffet and get something for them. You don’t have to work around regular meal times.
Our favorite cruise lines for families with toddlers are Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. You will be in good company with other families, so no worries about having your toddler in tow. These ships have child family meals, pack ‘n plays, high chairs, and even an area for toddlers to play with their parents.
Toddler Cruise Tips for Packing
Here are some of our top tips and reminders
- Pack Ziploc bags in order to store leftover food or snacks in your room that you get on board. There are coolers/refrigerators in the rooms, but they are smaller so it can be hard to store a plate in there and they don’t have to-go boxes.
- Bring a new toy that the child can experience on board if they need something fun to do. This is great to give them on the flight or when needed on the trip.
- Create a special bag. I call it the “dinner bag” to have some activities to do while sitting at dinner. Most meals you can do quick or buffet style if you prefer, but you may want to have a sit down dinner. Don’t use it other times, so it’s new and exciting during dinner. If they are old enough or interested in drawing, we like Color Wonder since it doesn’t stain. We also like the reusable writing tablet.
- Make sure to bring plenty of baby supplies, such as diapers and wipes. They may be available on board, but not the brands you are used to. No worries on the space because it’ll give you extra space for souvenirs on the way home.
- Bring diaper disposal bags to help with any odor in the stateroom along with an air freshener.
- Pack a few of your toddler’s favorite snacks, so that they have something familiar while they are away. Keep in mind you cannot bring any fresh food items onboard, only packaged items. Save some for the trip home because you can’t take fresh food off the ship at any time.
- Make sure to bring a few of their cups that they are comfortable drinking from. A water bottle or maybe even some small silverware if that’s what they are used to using at home.
- Don’t forget your own toiletries as your toddler may be sensitive to any toiletries provided.
- If you are using cups or bottles be sure to bring a sponge and a small bottle of dish soap, so that you’re able to wash your things.
- Bring a few special items from home to make their sleeping area smell and feel like they are at home.
- Pack a day bag for embarkation day since your luggage will be held and delivered to your room later. Make sure you have enough to get through the full day including clothing, bathing suite, diapers, and snacks through dinner.
- Your main luggage will be put outside your room the last night of your cruise. Be sure to have a small bag (think carry-on size small suitcase). This is where you will pack your final items that you need overnight in your room with you to easily get off the ship the next day.
Toddler Cruise Tips Onboard
- Request a pack ‘n play and high chair.
- Take advantage of any complimentary room service, such as breakfast, so that you have some snacks in the room. You can ease into your day before rushing off to a full breakfast. For example, we like to order a breakfast tray of coffee, fruit, muffins, and Cheerios. Then if the baby is still sleeping, I can enjoy my coffee on the balcony. If the kids are up and you don’t want to be, you can set them up with cereal and a show or activity. If you order coffee, it will stay hot, so you can close it tight and even enjoy during a morning nap. Some people like to order coffee last thing before bed so they don’t have to get up for a morning tray. Order morning room service the night before by hanging you order on your door with the desired time.
- Talk to your stateroom attendant on embarkation day to discuss anything you might need in the room. You may want ice or if you want the pack ‘n play put away or left out all day or any other bedding needs. You can also mention if you need extra garbage removal for diapers or if you will be in the room for a certain nap time that you don’t want to be disturbed.
Traveling with toddlers is always challenging, but so is being at home with them. Let us help you walk through the process. We’ll use our experience to help you be set up for a great trip and smooth sailing.
