Should You Take a Baby or Toddler on a Cruise? What to Think About Before You Book
Wondering if cruising with a baby or toddler is a good idea? Here’s what to think about before you set sail.
Let’s be honest: I’m a wannabe cruise content creator. I obviously love cruising, and spend an unreasonable amount of time pricing up cruises whilst nap-trapped, “just for fun”.
But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone, or that it’s always easy. This blog isn’t a yes-or-no answer. Instead, it’s about helping you understand what it’s really like to cruise with small children, why I started my channel in the first place, and some honest thoughts to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your family.
Because yes, I do believe cruising can be a brilliant way to travel with small children. But only if it suits you. So, let’s talk about that.
🎥 Why I Created My Channel
We’d cruised more than 30 times pre-kids. I love cruising - I think it’s a great way to see the world and I have always recommended cruising to friends.
Once our eldest came along, we didn’t want to stop - we just needed to know how to adapt. Fast forward to today, and I’ve now done multiple cruises with one baby, a toddler, and now both at once.
So I created this space - LissChatsShip - for the really important questions:
- ❓ What do the kids clubs actually offer?
- ❓ How allergy-friendly are the restaurants?
- ❓ Is a bread roll an acceptable starter, main, and dessert for a toddler? (Spoiler: The limit does not exist).
My goal is to help you decide if cruising could work for your family - and if it does, to help make it the best possible experience.
👶 Should You Cruise with a Baby or Toddler?
Honestly? If you want to, yes.
I continue to recommend cruising to friends, including my parent friends. Because cruising can be:
- 🧭 A fantastic way to travel while avoiding the faff of airports every two days.
- 🛟 A safe, contained environment where you can explore new places with little ones.
- ✨ A lovely blend of family time and (if you’re lucky) grown-up time too.
That said, it’s not always a walk in the park.
Some days will be dreamy; others will involve hiding in your cabin with Moana on repeat.
So here are a few key things to think about before you book.
📋 Things to Consider Before You Book a Family Cruise
🛏️ Cabins: Small Space, Big Decisions
Cruise ship cabins are compact. Add in a travel cot, two suitcases, a buggy, at least six Jellycats and possibly a teething baby who doesn’t sleep… and it’s cozy.
If budget allows, look at balcony cabins. The extra space - and natural light - can be a game changer for nap time, winding down, or just escaping to watch the sea when someone’s overtired. Bonus: somewhere to cry in peace when no one naps.
If not, interior cabins can absolutely work - but be realistic about the space and plan accordingly.
🧸 Kids’ Clubs: What’s On Offer (and When)
Most large cruise lines offer supervised kids’ clubs - and some even have nurseries for under-twos or babysitting services. These can be brilliant, both for giving your little ones a chance to play independently and for giving you a rare coffee break.
But not all cruise lines are equal. Some offer clubs only for 3+, while others have toddler sessions or flexible drop-ins. Some have no kids allowed - looking at you, Virgin Voyages!
Research your ship specifically to see:
- 👶 What age groups are catered for
- 🗓️ Whether booking for kids clubs is needed (and how hard it is to get a space!)
- 🎭 What kind of activities are actually included on board - and what will you have to mortgage your house to attend
🍝 Dining: Will It Work for Your Family?
I personally love cruising with small kids at mealtimes - my children have always sat with us for the majority of dinners (with a few dramatic exits, obviously) and I do believe it’s possible to have a whole family meal for most nights of a holiday, if that’s what you want to do.
Some ships offer:
- 🕔 Early sittings or buffet-style options for tired toddlers - and tired parents who accidentally eat four fish fingers while cutting them up for someone else.
- 📋 Dedicated kids’ menus (though some are better than others!)
- 🪑 Highchairs, children’s cutlery, and allergy protocols
You’ll want to consider:
- 👨👩👧 Are you hoping for sit-down family dinners, or will you prefer more casual dining?
- 🥜 Does your child have allergies or dietary needs?
- 🧹 Do you want to avoid cooking for a week? Because nothing says “holiday” like someone else scraping peas off the floor.
💛 It’s Not About Doing Everything
Cruising gives you access to incredible ports, shows, spa treatments, activities and more - but travelling with little ones changes how you experience them.
And that’s not a bad thing.
You might not make the 10pm jazz show. You might miss a whole port day because your toddler refused to take her pyjamas off her head. But you’ll also have moments that feel like magic: sunrise cuddles on a balcony, watching their face light up at the splash zone, or just having dinner where no one has to cook.
🧠 Final Thoughts
I don’t believe in telling people what they should do - especially when it comes to parenting. But if you're considering cruising with babies or toddlers, I hope this post gives you the nudge (or the clarity) you're looking for.
Cruising with small kids can be done. And it can be joyful, even if it’s sometimes messy. My goal is to help you prepare realistically, and find out whether it’s the right type of travel for your family at this moment in time.
If it is? I’m here with tips, reviews, and honest answers.
If it’s not? Bookmark me for later. We’ll be here when you're ready. 🛳️
🎥 Want to see what cruising with small kids really looks like?
Catch our latest YouTube episodes here:
👉 Watch the Arvia Family Cruise Review
📲 Follow for More
You can find more cruise reviews, tips for travelling with little ones, and new videos every other Friday right here:
- 📸 Instagram: @lisschatsship
- ▶️ YouTube: LissChatsShip on YouTube
- 📝 Blog: www.lisschatsship.com
- ✉️ Email: lisschatsship@gmail.com
Posts
