Cruisers preparing for a cruise usually expect to enjoy several days of excellent food, lazy days in the sunshine, fun nights out, exotic travel, and exciting shore excursions.
With this in mind, many inexperienced travelers might think that taking along an infant would make a pleasant cruise impossible. Nothing could be farther from the truth! With a bit of preparation, even busy parents of young children can have a rewarding ocean vacation, complete with plenty of fun memories.
Cruise ship amenities for parents with babies
Modern-day cruise vessels offer numerous family-oriented amenities specifically meant to make life aboard a ship easier for parents and their children. Many cruise lines provide nursery areas or babysitting services that enable parents to leave their infant in capable hands, allowing them a few hours to get away for a night of dining and dancing.
Packing
Packing light is always helpful, but this might be difficult when traveling with a baby. Think about purchasing certain bulky items, like diapers, near the cruise port to avoid an extra bag fee on the airplane. Also, remember that many ships don’t have bathtubs, so take an inflatable tub if baby can’t stand in a shower yet. It’s also a good idea to pack some extra supplies, like pacifiers, that you can’t purchase on the ship. For getting around, don’t forget the carrier or lightweight stroller—or the car seat, if you plan to use a taxi or rental car in a port of call.
Other things to consider
There are few other items to think about when cruising with a baby. Because staterooms tend to be small, many you might want to book a cabin with a balcony that lets you get some fresh air while your baby naps. You might also ask about the availability of rooms with special features like curtains or fold-up walls that can give a napping baby a little peace and quiet. It never hurts to ask if a ship offers certain services, such as a self-service laundry or pureeing food in the kitchen. Finally, researching destinations well in advance can point you to baby-friendly sights in your favorite ports of call.
