We have been cruising with our boys since they were one and a half. They are now adults, but we have logged the ship hours and made all the mistakes. Enough to know exactly what parents need to know when going on a cruise. And we did something right, as they still want to cruise with us now. And today we will share all we know about cruising with a baby or toddler.

Cruising with a baby or toddler for the first time can be daunting. You need to think of so much when travelling; packing is a massive task with much to consider. However, it is manageable. So we have grouped our top tips and advice for family cruising, including the best cruise lines for babies and tots and what to pack.

1. Cruising with a Baby or Toddler: Important Things To Know Before You Cruise

There is a lot of negativity about family cruising and taking babies on a cruise. It is hardly surprising that some parents are put off by this. We have read some of those awful threads on social media, and it’s enough to put anyone off.

Find A Cruise Ship That Caters For Babies and Toddlers

The key to booking the best cruise for babies and toddlers is avoiding cruise lines that don’t cater to them. Start by finding a cruise with a splash pool that babies can go in. Some cruise lines don’t allow babies in swim nappies to use the pool, so do your research or check out our guide to find a cruise ship with a baby splash pool.

Of course, this only applies to hot-weather cruises; who wants to go swimming in Alaska? But doing your research will help you make the best decision and find a cruise line that accommodates little ones. Also, you should consider a cruise line with onboard nurseries for a little chill time.

Cruising Whilst You Are Pregnant?

Most ocean cruise lines will not accept passengers who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the sailing. This has been implemented to protect the safety of travelling mums and babies. So do check before you book.

Taking a Baby on a Cruise?

Family-friendly cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, P&O Cruises, MSC Cruises and Disney do not allow infants under six months of age to cruise. If you are going on a transatlantic cruise or have more than three days at sea, your toddler must be 12 months old on the first day of your cruise, so check this before you book. Not all travel agents understand the rules, so ensure you book with a cruise specialist.

Is it Safe to Take a Baby on a Cruise?

Cruising is completely safe for babies; if you check the cruise line restrictions and your baby is the correct age for cruising, then cruising is as safe for families with babies as any other type of travel.

However, please keep in mind the vaccination requirements of any ports you travel to. Also, ensure you take sterilisation tablets with you, as with any other type of family trip. It’s also a great idea to take an umbrella buggy, portable fan and a parasol so the baby can nap in the shade on deck or port days.

You May Not Be Able To Get Nappies, Wet Wipes and Calpol on a Cruise Ship

Cruise ship shops focus more on souvenirs and gifts than on baby essentials. You will find many don’t stock nappies or wet wipes. Although many ships now have essential vending machines, they are expensive. You can either bring them with you or buy them in port. 

Most ports have chemists nearby, which are easily found with a quick Google maps search.

2. Baby Food On A Cruise

Buffet Food for Babies on a Cruise

We never had a problem when the boys were little; the cruise staff go above and beyond to make little cruisers and parents happy. Buffets are great for weaning babies, with plenty of pasta, vegetables, cooked meat cuts and cheese for little ones to test their taste buds. If you prefer to serve your weaning baby pureed food, bring your mini masher and Tupperware or pre-prepared food pouches and jars. However, some cruise lines do provide this service.

There are always plenty of high chairs available. Generally, when a staff member sees you, they prepare a high chair at your table. But if they don’t, do not hesitate to ask for one.

Dining in the Main Restaurant with a Baby

Don’t be put off by the primary and speciality restaurants. The waiting staff are very attentive; a high chair will be ready if you have a regular table. Alternatively, should you choose anytime dining, getting a high chair is never an issue.

Servers will help to serve your baby food that they can eat. Often tailoring meals such as rice, pasta and vegetables. There are dedicated kids menus, but we found asking for portions or rice and veg was never a problem as long as they were on the main menu, it could be made available.

Cruise Lines that Provide Baby Food and/or Formula

Freshly pureed vegetables can be prepared at the main dining rooms and room service upon request on Disney Cruise Line. Disney Cruise Line sells formula (ready-to-feed) and baby food in the ship store.

Princess Cruises provides complimentary jars of stage 1 & 2 baby food; however, please ask for it through the Cruise Personaliser in advance. Additionally, pureed fruits, veggies, or rice can be prepared in the main dining room, speciality restaurants, and Horizon Court or World Fresh Marketplace.

Organic baby food can be pre-ordered for your baby on Royal Caribbean.

P&O Cruises provides Hipp Organic baby food jars [Stage 1 (4 months +) and Stage 2 (7 months +)] in an assortment of savoury and dessert flavours. But it must be requested up to 8 weeks before your cruise. If you want to ensure your baby has a familiar and trusted brand while at sea, you can also choose to bring your own supply of Hipp baby formula to supplement what’s available onboard. Click here for more info.

You Can Get Cow’s Milk on a Cruise Ship

There are also often milk cartons at breakfast, so you can top up your cabin fridge with these for bedtime. Cows milk is only recommended for children over 12 months old.

Take a Snack Box to Fill with Snacks for Throughout the day

You are never far from fantastic food on a cruise. However, if your little one has favourites from the buffet, fill a snack box with their favourite treats to keep with you thought-out the day. So that you know, you may not be able to take food off at some ports; this is always on the cruise newsletter if it is the case.

Royal Caribbean also offer fruit pots and cookies at onboard cafes, which are perfect for kiddie snacks.

3. Shore Excursions When Cruising with Babies and Toddlers

When cruising with a baby and young children, you might not need to pay for their place on excursions. There are usually several options where under-fives could join in for free.

However, be warned that if you’re not charged for your baby or toddler, it’s unlikely to be a family-friendly day. Speak to the shore excursions team to find the best day trips for you and your baby. Also, if a coach is involved, the kids will have to sit on your laps unless you’ve paid for their seats. It’s important to know when you are on a six-hour excursion from Livorno to Florence!

This is an excellent opportunity to self-explore. Long days on trips are often a little too long with children. It’s a great idea to research activities close to the port and create your child-friendly adventures. If you plan to get a taxi, find and pre-book one that offers car seats or a toddler booster.

There are also many ports you can just get off the ship and explore. This is often easier with kiddies. Plan ahead and do your research; look for family-friendly routes and activities. For example, the Key West Cruise Port has a family-friendly aquarium a short walk away. See our cruise port guides here.

4. Babies Can’t Go In The Swimming Pools on Cruise Ships

As I said above, and I will repeat it, because I see so many families miss this point and are not advised by a cruise agent, some cruise ships do not allow babies and toddlers who are not potty-trained to enter the pool. This is due to international laws to limit the spread of infectious bugs onboard. However, many newer ships have splash pools for babies wearing swim nappies. It’s important to know that splash pools are areas where toddlers and babies can cool off and play. But not swim.

Babies can go in splash zones on some cruise ships.

There are cruise lines with ships with dedicated splash zones where babies and tots can wear swimming nappies. This is a welcome change for cruising families, making it much easier to choose the best cruise lines to cater for their babies and tots.

4. Cabin Practicalities When Cruising with a Baby or Toddler

Dirty Washing

Whilst laundry is not something you’ll be hoping to do lots of on holiday, it’s inevitable with a baby or toddler in tow. But you have a few options: bring your detergent and wash items in your cabin sink; arrange with your steward to send a bag of washing to the laundry; or, if available, use the passenger laundry room.

These are small, so avoid them on a sea day, as you could get caught in a queue. MSC have a special baby laundry service onboard, which uses a different machine and gentle detergents, ideal for sensitive baby skin! Whilst Princess, Disney and P&O have onboard laundries and ironing rooms. NCL and Royal Caribbean do not.

Cots on Cruise Ships

When booking, you can request cribs for your cabin, and linen will be provided. Alternatively, take a travel cot if you are cruising from a home port.

Baths and Showers on Cruises

Not all staterooms will have a bath, so consider lining a suitcase with a baby bath if your little one doesn’t get on with showers. Plan ahead and take an inflatable bathtub that fits in the bottom of your shower; having an inflatable tub makes bath time so much easier.

The Best Cruise Ship Cabin When Cruising with a Baby

While cabins with balconies might concern parents of active toddlers, there’s no way your baby can open the patio door by themselves. They are heavy to open and have secure safety locks at the top that little ones can’t reach.

Also, many cruise lines now offer family cabins for families of five or six, including Royal Caribbean, Disney, and NCL. A cruise specialist will be able to help you with booking those.

5. Kids and Baby Clubs on Cruises

Many cruise lines offer amazing kids’ clubs, but you may find that not all activities, amenities or sessions are open to babies. However, many offer sessions where parents can take babies or toddlers and play with toys.

Check your cruise app or cruise newsletter for the club’s opening hours, and register as soon as registration opens. Sometimes you can do this on the app before your cruise.

6. Getting Around the Ship When Cruising with a Baby

The most family-oriented cruise ships tend to be huge; yes, there are lifts, but there is a lot of ground to cover and lots of space to explore. Bring a compact buggy and a baby carrier to help you get around. You’ll cover some miles visiting all the decks and wandering the promenade!

On busy port days, take a baby carrier for going up and down stairs arou n to avoid waiting for lifts. Lifts can be busy, plus it’s great for a bit of exercise. Reserve your buggy for evenings when your baby will nap, so you can enjoy a cocktail.

7. Packing For A Cruise With A Baby or Toddler

Cruising with a baby can be smooth and stress-free if you pack smart. Make sure you take an embarkation day bag so you have everything you need for the first day of your cruise. Here are some essentials to make your trip easier:

1. Compact Buggy & Baby Carrier: Lightweight stroller for strolls, and a carrier for stairs and crowded areas.
2. Portable Changing Essentials: Nappies, wipes, and a changing mat in a small day bag for excursions.
3. Baby Clothes in Layers: Lightweight layers for hot days, plus a few warmer outfits for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces.
4. Sun Protection: Baby-friendly sunscreen, hats, and a lightweight cover-up for deck time.
5. Feeding Supplies: Bottles, formula, bibs, and a few snacks if your baby is weaning.
6. Baby Bedding & Sleep Comfort: Favourite blanket, sleep sack, or travel crib sheet for cabin naps.
7. Bath & Hygiene: Baby shampoo, an inflatable tub, and a small towel. Cruise cabin showers can be tiny.
8. Toys & Entertainment: Small, quiet toys, teething rings, or books to keep your baby happy on deck or in the cabin.
9. Medication & First Aid: Infant pain relief, teething gel, and any prescribed medicines.
10. Evening Essentials: Use your buggy in the evening when your baby naps so you can enjoy a leisurely time in the ship’s restaurants or bars.

We have a full cruise packing list and planner to help you plan and prepare for your cruise. Upload the PDF to Goodnotes or Apple Notes, and it’s a great place to organise all your planning notes for your cruise.

Cruising Made Easy with a Baby

Cruising with a baby may seem daunting, but with a little planning and the right essentials, it can be a stress-free and unforgettable adventure for the whole family. We have cruised for many years, and we have so many amazing memories. Having the essentials is key, from compact buggies and baby carriers to favourite blankets and toys, packing smart makes all the difference. Enjoy exploring the ship, relaxing on deck, and creating special memories together that, like us, you’ll treasure forever.