How To Make The Most Of Your Cruise With Small Children

/ Travel Blog
Kid posing on the cruise deck by a pool.

How To Make The Most Of Your Cruise With Small Children

Cruising with small children can be an incredible family vacation, but it does take some extra planning to ensure everything goes smoothly. With the right tips and tricks, you can make the most of your cruise while keeping everyone happy and stress-free.

Take the time to plan out your cruise, you will thank your future self, come vacation. Here’s how to have the best experience when sailing with little ones.

Book the Balcony Stateroom – It’s Worth the Money!

One of the best investments you can make when cruising with kids is booking a balcony stateroom. While the price difference may be around $500 more than an interior room, the benefits far outweigh the cost:

Baby on a bed with balcony in the background

  • Extra Space: With small children, having additional room makes a big difference. A balcony provides a separate space for parents to relax while little ones nap inside.

  • Scenic Views & Private Time: Watching the ocean, enjoying morning coffee, or taking in the view as you arrive at a new port—all from the privacy of your room—adds to the experience.

  • Peace & Quiet: If you need a break from the crowds, the balcony offers a peaceful retreat while still letting you enjoy the scenery.

Show Up Early to Your Onboarding Time Slot

About 45 days before your cruise date, you can check in – weird, right? But this is a MUST. You want to check in on time to pick the earliest available onboarding time slot. 

Now this may be a little controversial, but we had a 1:00 pm time slot, but checked out of our hotel at 11am and headed right to the cruise port. There were no issues with us arriving early but it helped avoid long lines, allowed us to explore the ship before the crowds arrived, and gave your children time to settle in before activities began.

Bonus – our staterooms were ready as soon as we finished lunch at the Windjammer! 

Embrace The Early Mornings With Your Kids

Jogging stroller on Coco Cay

Kids love to sleep in on vacation – NOT! Make the most of it and take advantage of that hundreds of other passengers are still likely sleeping. Waking up early means 

  • Being one of the first guests at breakfast, avoiding long waits, and securing the best seating.

  • Getting off the ship on time for port excursions without the stress of rushing.

  • Enjoying quiet mornings on deck before the majority of passengers wake up.

Take Advantage of Port Days for Ship Exploration

If you don’t plan on getting off at every port, use the time to explore the ship while it’s less crowded. Many cruise amenities, such as pools and play areas, are quieter on port days, giving your family a chance to enjoy them without the hustle and bustle.

Bonus – staying on the ship can also save money by avoiding additional excursion costs!

Lounging in the Pool on Liberty of the Seas
Playing mini putt on Royal Carribean

Make Special Requests in Advance

To make your cruise smoother, be sure to request any special accommodations before you sail. This includes:

  • A pack-and-play or crib for your cabin.

  • Ensuring a pull-out couch is set up upon arrival.

  • Dietary accommodations for picky eaters or allergies.

  • Stroller-friendly routes for easier navigation around the ship.

Final Thoughts - Are You Ready To Book Your Cruise?

Cruising with small children doesn’t have to be stressful! With a little preparation, you can make the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

Use Cruise Direct to book your next cruise and you can earn up to a $1,000 Visa + a $50 onboard credit!