How to choose a family cruise

When you’re trying to choose a family cruise and consider how child-friendly the latest cruise ships are, it seems hard to believe that only decade or two ago, cruising had a reputation for stuffiness, formality and being suitable only for pensioners.

contains affiliate links*

Having taken my daughter, then newly toddling, on board a cruise around the Caribbean, as well as seeing some of the facilites on board Oasis of the Seas and Norwegian Bliss over the years, I’m a huge convert.

So if you’re thinking of taking the plunge yourself (not literally), here’s what to consider when you’re booking a cruise with kids.

Family cruise: What facilities are there?

These days, there’s far more than just a pool to entertain kids with everything from minigolf and an escape room to a rock climbing wall, like these on Marella Discovery and Marella Discovery II from TUI, as well as racing on Norwegian Bliss.

You can also find waterslides, surf simulators, zip wires, carousels and sports galore, depending whether you have older thrill seekers or younger water babies.

Pools are always a hit though it’s worth remembering that younger kids may need to be potty trained to swim – even a swim nappy may not be enough, although there’s often a Splash Zone as well. Otherwise, is there a dedicated children’s or baby pool, as pools can get very busy on sea days.

If not, and you’ve got a toddler who loves swimming, their only option could be the sea when you dock.

Cruises with kids’ clubs

Kids clubs on cruises are often so good that I’ve seen children pleading with their parents not to make them leave… Do register early if you’re interested.

But some kids’ clubs start at age two, others from three, and there may be other restrictions. Not all cruise lines will change nappies, so you may find yourself summoned back to your toddler by pager each time too.

It’s also worth checking what ages the different groups are split into to see whether siblings might end up together. Equally, if you discover your three-year-old is expected to play with eight-year-olds, it’s not going to be much fun for either, while teens will want their own, less supervised area.

For younger babies, there’s often a dedicated play area but it may be available for restricted times. Normally you’ll either stay with them or pay extra for crèche facilities.

For my review of the Anturus Explorer Academy STEM activities on Carnival cruise line ships, click here, or get more information to choose the best Carnival cruise ship for your family

Is there babysitting?

In the same way that kids’ clubs vary from cruise line to cruise line, babysitting provision can also be very different – for example, it’s worth knowing if you can book childcare for your cabin in the evenings.

In most cases, babysitting is rarely available in staterooms but many ships set up ‘night nurseries’ where kids can snuggle down in sleeping bags or watch films in the evenings.

But do check what times it runs – some cruise lines only offer a service from 10pm, so consider if you’re happy taking a sleeping child in a buggy or letting your kids stay up late.

And is there a daytime option during port days, if you want to explore or try an excursion that’s not suitable for little ones? Do you need to book in advance (which usually means before boarding or on day one to secure limited places), or can you just turn up?

Family cruise cabins

Staterooms, or cabins, are often far more spacious than you might expect with plenty of room for a cot alongside the queen-size doubles – if you’re cruising with a baby, I’d recommend splashing out for a balcony as that way you can lounge in the sunshine while they nap inside.

Others have space for a sofa bed or a cunning set-up with beds folding down from the ceiling or walls, which is great fun for older kids but potentially less ideal with toddlers.

If you’re a big group, it’s worth looking at the suites available: some cruises now have family suites with room for up to seven.

Food for kids on cruise ships

One thing you’re not short of on board is food! Which makes cruises ideal for picky eaters, especially as it’s all-inclusive. The key is when it’s available – if your toddler has their tea at 4.30pm, you don’t want to discover the only option is sushi, while room service might consist solely of sandwiches and snacks.

Flexible eating options are often easiest, as you needn’t be stuck to one dining room at the same time every night.

Larger ships may offer both an early and late seating at dinner in the main dining rooms, as well as a flexible option, so you can turn up whenever suits you best.

Some cruise lines have additional children’s teas or children’s menus too. Others will heat up baby food or puree something for the littlest passengers and children are usually welcome in any restaurant on board, while some cruise lines offer a mashing option for babies, useful if they’re weaned but won’t cope with adult food.

Long-haul, short-haul or no-haul?

No-one’s going to pretend that a 10-hour flight with a toddler is fun (although I promise it is doable) – so if you’re based in the UK and don’t want a long flight, you’ll rule out most of the Caribbean, for example.

There are plenty of options sailing from Southampton, although that limits you to the closer stretches of the Mediterranean unless you’ve planning a long cruise.

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular cruise line, doublecheck where their main bases are.

What’s the cost?

Even if you’re bringing a six-month-old (the minimum age for most lines), your baby won’t necessarily be free – some cruise companies have occasional free kids places outside of school holidays, others offer lower rates or tax-only prices.

But the majority will treat them as a normal passenger – so, for example, if you’re travelling as a couple with a baby, you’ll pay a reduced third-person rate for the cabin.

If you’re travelling solo with the baby, you’ll almost certainly end up paying the full second-person price.

Which tours are family-friendly?

Tempting though it sometimes is to stay onboard throughout, the ports are equally enticing. If you want to explore independently, check how close you’ll be to the destination – some of the largest ships have to dock a little way out.

More and more are now offering child-friendly tours too, whether it’s a simple stress-free trip to the beach, activities or a family city tour.

What if you run out…

Can you buy nappies on board? Or does the cruise line offer a service where you can order wipes and formula in advance, to save space in your luggage?

The last thing you want to be doing during your precious time in port is searching for a supermarket (or approaching other parents on board to beg a spare nappy, as one mum did to me after slightly miscalculating how many she’d need).

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. All opinions remain my own.

Main image courtesy Depositphotos. All other images copyright MummyTravels

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER