How to Survive a Cruise With a Baby
Taking a cruise with a baby might sound overwhelming, but with the right planning, it can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience!
Read my 5 simple tips so for practical planning and setting realistic expectations while traveling with your family.
We recently sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas with our 7-month-old baby and two older kids (ages 4 and 5). While we had some challenges, we also found ways to make the trip enjoyable for everyone. If you’re planning to cruise with a little one, here are our best tips to help you navigate the journey smoothly.
Bring a Proper Walking Stroller
You’ll be walking A LOT, especially if you plan to explore ports. A good stroller is a must-have. I know often people like to travel with a small compactable umbrella stroller to save space but our jogging stroller was the real MVP. We brought a Safety First Jogging Stroller with:
A canopy cover for sun protection.
Adjustable recline settings so the baby could lay flat for naps.
Ample storage space underneath for carrying essentials.
A lightweight, compact stroller might be easier to maneuver throughout your travels but we have never had any issue taking our jogging stroll along. And for port days, a sturdy, comfortable stroller is the way to go! Plus, it was helpful to let one of our small kids take a turn while our baby was in the carrier. Which leads me to my next point.
Don’t Forget the Baby Carrier
While a stroller is useful, a baby carrier is equally important. Having a hands-free way to carry your baby made it easier for us to move through crowds without hassle, kept our baby snug during nap time, and allowed us to stay out later to enjoy shows and activities while she slept in the carrier.
A soft-structured carrier or wrap is a great investment for any traveling parent.
Book the Balcony Room – It’s a Game-Changer!
If you’re debating between an interior stateroom or a balcony, go for the balcony. Yes, you will pay more for this type of stateroom but trust me—the extra space is worth it. Here’s why:
Nap time freedom: You can enjoy the fresh air and ocean views while your baby naps inside. Our baby was still on 2 naps per day and we wanted to accommodate her the best we could without having to nap in the baby carrier or stroller for every nap. Having a stateroom with a balcony made her naptime so much more enjoyable for the designated parent.
More living space: Our room consisted of a king bed (two twins pushed together), a pullout couch, and a pack-and-play. We needed the extra space! Plus, when the kids went to bed in the evening, we had a place to unwind.
Quiet retreat: Sometimes, you just need a break from the crowds while still enjoying the scenery. We loved being able to see the ship pull into port from the comfort of our stateroom and still get the views.
Read more about why getting a balcony room is worth it in my blog post here – “How To Make The Most Of Your Cruise With Small Children“.
Choose the Right Cruise Timing for Your Baby’s Age
Many cruise companies don’t allow babies onboard that are under 6 months of age. Some require babies to be at least 12 months for certain destinations like transatlantic sailings. We traveled when our baby was 7 months old and we seemed to have hit the sweet spot. She wasn’t crawling yet so it was easy to keep her in one spot. She was still young enough to be able to nap on the go if we needed to (see proper baby carrier & stroller suggestions), and she wasn’t getting into everything.
The only downside was that she wasn’t allowed into the pools on the ship. Babies and toddlers wearing diapers weren’t allow in the pools.
Get the Drink Package (or Plan Your Water Supply!)
If you are formula feeding, you’ll need plenty of bottled water. The easiest way to ensure unlimited access is by purchasing the drink package (which includes bottled water). If you don’t want to get the drink package, check your cruise line’s policy—many allow you to bring a set amount of bottled water on embarkation day.
Plus – getting the drink package means a well-deserved cocktail for you!
Final Thoughts - Are You Ready To Book Your Cruise?
Your cruise won’t be exactly like your pre-kid vacations, and that’s okay! Give yourself grace and set realistic expectations. Focus on making memories rather than cramming in every activity.
Cruising with a baby is doable—and even enjoyable! With a little planning and the right gear, you can make the experience smooth for both you and your little one. If you’re cruising with older kids too, don’t forget to check out our previous post on “How to make the most of your cruise with small Children” for more helpful tips!
Note: If you haven’t booked your cruise yet, booking with Cruise Direct can give you affordable options that may earn you up to a $1,000 Visa and a $50 onboard credit. It’s worth checking out!