When planning, taking a baby on a cruise requires checking the age requirements, as some cruise ships have specific rules for babies. Most cruise lines allow babies as young as 6 months, except for some adults-only ships.
For special trips like long cruises, babies might need to be at least one year old. MSC Cruises is unique because it doesn’t have a minimum age requirement for babies to sail.
Deciding on taking a baby on a cruise requires careful thought. Consider if the medical care at your destinations is good enough and how having a baby might affect your sightseeing and enjoying the cruise ship’s activities, especially at night.
“The best cruise lines for taking a baby on a cruise include MSC Cruises, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival, Cunard, Costa Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.”
Do I Need to Pay When Taking A Baby on a Cruise Ship?
Each cruise line has different policies. Some don’t charge for babies if they share a cabin with two adults. Others may offer a discount for the third and fourth passengers in a cabin.
However, some lines charge the same fare for babies as they do for adults, because babies need extra care from the staff but don’t spend money on the ship.
“Babies and toddlers under two years old sail for free with MSC Cruises, while kids aged two to eleven get a discounted rate. Cunard lets infants up to 23 months travel for free, and offers reduced rates for children aged two to seventeen. Costa Cruises doesn’t charge for kids under three.”
Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line provide discounted rates for babies and toddlers. Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean frequently offer special promotions where children can sail for free or at reduced rates.
It’s wise to ask your cruise line or travel agent about current promotions, as many lines that typically charge for infants often have special offers.
Tips For Taking a Baby on a Cruise
Taking a baby on a cruise can be a wonderful experience. Here are the essential tips to help ensure an enjoyable trip with baby.
1: Select the Right Cruise Line
When cruising with a baby, choosing the right cruise lines is crucial for a smooth trip. Many family-friendly cruise lines offer plenty of amenities tailored for families, including baby pools and childcare options. These facilities often feature dedicated nursery services and stations for infants.
“Family-friendly cruise lines include Disney, Cunard, Princess, MSC, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, P&O, and Celebrity.”
2: Age Requirements
When taking a baby on a cruise, it’s important to check the age requirements and age restrictions of the cruise line. For example, MSC is the only cruise line that allows babies of any age to sail.
Most lines have rules for baby bookings. They usually have a policy that sets the minimum age for sailing, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. Typically, these policies say that babies must be at least six months old to sail.
3: Packing Essential Things
When getting ready for your cruise, focus on packing essentials for your baby’s comfort and well-being. If you forget a few items, don’t worry most family-friendly ships have onboard shops that stock necessities like nappies, baby milk, and baby cream.
Many cruise lines also offer specialty laundrettes, so your baby’s clothes can be washed separately. This way, you don’t need to worry about overpacking for your trip.
Moreover, certain cruise lines provide rental options for infants to help minimize your packing. You can rent items such as a pram or a baby carrier for use on the ship or during port visits.
Some cruise lines, such as Cunard and Disney, offer baby food services where they can mash or puree food for your infant. However, Royal Caribbean does not provide these services, so it’s recommended to bring your own baby food, snacks, and formula.
Many cruise lines have mini-bars in the room for storing breast milk, but they may not be as cold as your fridge at home, which could impact the freshness of the milk.
4: Know The Onboard Policies
When taking a baby on a cruise, it’s important to know the ship’s policies for infant care. These usually include meal options, special baby play areas, and babysitting services. Family-friendly cruise lines often provide group babysitting services or kids clubs.
These services are designed for different ages and offer specific activities and rooms for each age group. Some cruise lines also extend their babysitting services until 10 PM for an extra fee, giving parents some time to relax while their baby is well cared for.
“Most cruise lines do not permit children and babies who are not toilet trained to use the swimming facilities and splash zones on board. However, a few exceptions, like Royal Caribbean and Disney, have designated splash zones for infants and children still in swim nappies.”
5: Take Support From Staff
When taking a baby on a cruise, it’s essential to seek advice and assistance from experienced cruise staff. Family-friendly cruise lines offer dedicated staff trained in infant care to ensure the comfort and safety of their youngest passengers.
The staff on these cruises provide valuable support to families, making the experiences enjoyable for both children and parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Age Can Baby Cruise?
Babies must be at least 6 months old when they board the ship to be allowed to sail.
Are Babies Free On Cruises Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean regularly offers a “Kids Sail Free” deal, where children aged 12 and under can sail for free as long as they are the third or subsequent guests in a cabin shared with at least two paying adults.
Can I Taking A Baby Monitor On A Cruise?
Disney Cruise Lines is an exception to the typical “no baby monitors allowed” rule in the cruise industry. They do permit baby monitors, but only after they have been checked by the ship’s Chief Electrician.