If you are taking your toddler on a cruise, you want to make sure it’s with a line where toddlers are welcome and accommodated.

The last thing you want to worry about is having kids that are disturbing other cruisers and don’t have anywhere to go.

We have gone on a few cruises with our toddlers and have done considerable research into the best cruise lines for toddlers. Here is what we think!

We book all our cruises through Get Away Today! They offer some of the best customer services around and will certainly make it easier to book your upcoming cruise!

Carnival Cruise Line

This was the first cruise we went on. The main reason we chose it was that they allowed children that were 2 and over to go to the childcare programs for free. Most cruises charge for children under three.

We were also impressed with not just the kid’s programs but additional events and activities on the cruise that were great for young children.

Carnival is a budget cruise line, which does tend to attract more of the “party” crowd – so I wouldn’t say everything is entirely family-friendly. But we had a good time on our cruise and didn’t run into any issues.

Here are some of the highlights of a Carnival cruise for toddlers:

Camp Ocean Kids Program:

Carnival Cruise Line offers the Camp Ocean Kids Program, which provides a wide range of age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children, including toddlers. Trained staff members engage toddlers in supervised playtime, arts and crafts, games, and interactive programs designed to keep them entertained and engaged throughout the cruise.

Seuss at Sea Program:

Carnival has partnered with Dr. Seuss to create the Seuss at Sea program, which includes various activities and events for young children, including toddlers. This program features character parades, story time sessions, and themed activities inspired by Dr. Seuss books, providing a fun and immersive experience for toddlers onboard.

When we went, they had a Dr. Seuss breakfast for just $5 extra per person, and it was the highlight of our trip! I have no idea what the cost is now, but it truly is fantastic.

Water Parks and Splash Zones:

Many Carnival ships feature water parks and splash zones that are perfect for toddlers. These areas typically include water slides, fountains, and interactive play structures designed with young children in mind. Toddlers can splash around and have a great time while enjoying the refreshing water activities onboard.

Keep in mind that your child does need to be toilet trained in order to be able to participate in water activities.

Seaside Theater

Carnival’s Seaside Theater is an outdoor movie screen located by the pool area. It often shows family-friendly movies and cartoons throughout the day and evening. Toddlers can enjoy watching their favorite characters on the big screen while lounging by the pool or in a comfortable seating area with their parents.

You can usually find the movies that are playing in your cruise guide in the mobile app.

Family-Friendly Dining Options:

Carnival Cruise Line offers a variety of dining options suitable for families with toddlers. They typically provide kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and boosters to accommodate young children. The flexible dining options and casual atmosphere make it easier for families to enjoy meals together while catering to the needs of their little ones.

We used the flexible dining time option. It was the only option available when we booked, but it ended up being a great option with a napping toddler.

There are tons of delicious items, and the crew is always willing to accommodate any requests!

Disney Cruise Lines

Disney is inherently pretty kid-friendly, it’s a great option for the whole family. We went on a Disney Cruise earlier this year, and we took our barely 3-year-old. It was amazing! If you are looking for a truly family-friendly option that everyone will enjoy, look no further than the Disney Cruise Line.

Here are some of the benefits:

Disney-themed Entertainment and Activities

Disney Cruise Line is known for its immersive and magical experiences for guests of all ages, including toddlers. Onboard, toddlers can meet and interact with their favorite Disney characters, attend live shows and musicals featuring beloved Disney stories, and participate in themed parties and parades designed specifically for young children.

Our three-year-old absolutely loved seeing his favorite characters at every turn. Because Disney Cruise Line is so family-oriented, no one was annoyed or frustrated at toddlers being at all the events.

It’s a Small World Nursery

Disney Cruise Line offers the It’s a Small World Nursery, which provides care and entertainment for children aged 6 months to 3 years. The nursery is staffed by trained childcare professionals who ensure a safe and engaging environment for toddlers. Activities may include storytelling, arts and crafts, music, and playtime with age-appropriate toys.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club:

The Oceaneer Club is a dedicated play area onboard Disney Cruise Line ships designed for children, including toddlers. This interactive space offers a variety of themed play areas based on Disney characters and movies, allowing toddlers to engage in imaginative play, arts and crafts, and group activities. The club is supervised by trained counselors who ensure the safety and enjoyment of all children.

Our son really enjoyed being able to roam free in this area. There was always something fun going on, and the staff was very attentive. I was very pleased with the security of the area as well.

Fun Pools and Splash Areas

Disney Cruise Line features fun pools and splash areas suitable for toddlers. These areas often include shallow pools, fountains, and water play features designed with young children in mind. Toddlers can enjoy splashing and playing in the water while supervised by their parents.

While the pools did require children to be potty trained, they had a splash area that did not – all it required was a swim diaper.

Family-Friendly Dining Options:

Disney Cruise Line offers family-friendly dining options that cater to the needs of toddlers. They provide kid-friendly menus, high chairs, and boosters to ensure a comfortable dining experience for families. Additionally, Disney characters may make appearances during meals, creating a memorable and magical atmosphere for young children.

Disney Cruise Line is known for its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to providing a family-friendly experience. They offer a range of services and amenities specifically tailored to toddlers, ensuring that they have a memorable and enjoyable time onboard. Please note that specific offerings may vary by ship and itinerary, so it’s advisable to check the Disney Cruise Line website or contact their customer service for the most accurate and up-to-date information on toddler-friendly services and activities.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

I haven’t been on a Royal Caribbean Cruise (yet!), but from what I’ve heard, it’s great for families with children of all ages. This would be a great option if you have teenagers as well as a toddler.

Family-Friendly Amenities:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers a wide range of family-friendly amenities specifically designed to cater to the needs of toddlers and their parents. These amenities may include dedicated play areas, splash pools, age-appropriate activities, and interactive programs that engage and entertain young children.

Complimentary Adventure Ocean Youth Program:

Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean Youth Program is a complimentary onboard program that provides age-appropriate activities and entertainment for children of all ages, including toddlers. The program offers supervised playtime, arts and crafts, music and dancing, and interactive games, allowing parents to have some time for themselves while knowing that their toddlers are in safe hands.

Nursery Services:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line offers nursery services for toddlers aged 6 months to 36 months. These nurseries provide a safe and supervised environment for toddlers, allowing parents to have some adult time or enjoy other activities on the ship. Trained staff members ensure that toddlers are engaged in age-appropriate activities and are well taken care of.

Family-Friendly Shore Excursions:

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of family-friendly shore excursions that can be enjoyed by toddlers and their parents. These excursions may include beach visits, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and more. The cruise line takes into consideration the needs of families with young children, providing options that are suitable for toddlers and ensuring a memorable vacation experience for the whole family.

Flexible Dining Options:

Royal Caribbean understands the challenges of dining with toddlers and offers flexible dining options to accommodate families. They provide early seating times and kid-friendly menus, as well as high chairs and boosters for little ones. The staff is often accommodating and understanding of the needs of families with toddlers, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free.

Please note that specific offerings and amenities may vary depending on the ship and itinerary, so it’s always recommended to check the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on toddler-friendly services and activities.

I often see Royal Caribbean having a “Kids Sail Free” promotion, which can make it even more affordable to cruise with them.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these cruise lines – it really just comes down to your budget, interests, and priorities. There is bound to be many other toddlers on any cruise ship from these places, so your child is sure to make some new friends! Let me know in the comments what YOU think!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Cruise Packing List for Toddlers
• Cruise with a Toddler: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Choose the Best Cruise

The post The Three Best Cruise Lines for Toddlers appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

Packing for a cruise can be a challenge for anyone.

Throw in a toddler? It can get even more complicated.

We have gone on several cruises with toddlers, and there are a few things we are glad we brought (and things we wish we had brought!)

This list continues the ultimate toddler cruise packing list. Be sure to check with your specific cruise line for additional items that might be necessary

Be sure to check out our list of what we wish we packed for our first cruise!

What do Kids Need to Get on a Cruise Ship

In general, children 17 years age and under will need a passport, birth certificate, or government-issued photo ID and children 16 and under who don’t have a passport or photo ID will need a copy of their birth certificate.

If you are going anywhere out of your country of origin – even if it departs and comes back to the same location – I would strongly recommend having a passport.

Equipment

You can typically have them take all your luggage and equipment to your room. Just don’t go too overboard!

• Umbrella stroller – I wouldn’t send this with your luggage to your room. The cruise boarding lines can take a long time and having a stroller can be really helpful! We always have room somewhere in our cabin to store a stroller (usually in one of the closest)
• Baby/Toddler carrier – this can be a great alternative to a stroller if you don’t want to bring one. I recommend it even if you do bring a stroller – it can be easier to carry them around! Here is a list of our favorite baby carriers – many of which are compatible with toddlers!
• Pack and Play (check with the cruise line first and see if they have portable cribs available)

Clothes

The clothes you will need will vary depending on the cruise you are going on, the time of year, and the weather. Make sure to pay attention to the weather report leading up to your cruise and be prepared for the unexpected.

Be sure to check out your cruise lines itinerary for any special events, such as a pirate night or formal dining night. This article is really helpful as well – Cruise Clothing 101: What to Wear on Your Cruise!

Warm Weather Cruise

• Swimming suit – I highly recommend a Rash guard swimming suit – so much easier than putting sunscreen all over your kiddo’s body (and having to reapply constantly)
• Shorts
• T-Shirts (long and short sleeve)
• Sandals – we were so dumb and forget to bring sandals! One day on the beach in his tennis shoes, and they were soaking wet and full of sand. My FAVORITE shoes for toddlers are these Fisherman Sandals from Stride Rite. They are breathable, sturdy, and waterproof.
• Tennis shoes
• Swimming robe
• Sun hats

Cold Weather Cruise

• Long-sleeved shirts and sweatshirts
• Pants
• Leggings for layering
• Coat
• Boots
• Close-toed shoes
• Warm hats

All Cruises

• Plenty of extra clothes
• Jacket with hood
• Poncho
• Socks
• Sunglasses
• A life jacket or puddle jumper
• Underwear (if potty trained)

Toiletries

Toiletries are always super expensive on a cruise ship and at most ports. Make sure you double-check your bag for all of these!

• Plenty of diapers, wipes, etc. (these aren’t always available in cruise stores, and if they are, they are super expensive). When we travel, I typically buy diapers when we get there (if we fly), just so we save room in our suitcase. Stop by Walmart or Target on your way to the port!
• Infant/Toddler safe medications (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Benadryl etc.)
• Kid’s Seabands and other sea sickness medication/remedies
• Bug spray
• Kid-safe sunscreen – we like to spray sunscreen for the body and stick sunscreen for the face.
• Kid-friendly shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (travel-size would be ideal!)

Food/Consumables

There is plenty of food available pretty much 24/7 on a cruise, but we all know toddlers aren’t always the most convenient diners. Here are a few items you may still want to bring.

• Favorite snacks (especially if you have a toddler who is more particular)
• Formula or Baby Food – if they are still consuming either of these. Generally, you won’t find them available on the ship.

Other Helpful Items

Here are a few other items that we feel are helpful on cruises with toddlers:

• Nightlight (one of the top cruise items we recommend buying at Dollar Tree).
• Leakproof Sippy cup
• Portable white noise machine or app on your phone
• Diaper disposal bags for dirty diapers (these will stink up a stateroom in no time!)
• Portable changing pad
• Silicone Placemat
• Sand toys (trust me – these are SO expensive to buy at a port!)
• Portable potty chair (if potty training/trained)

We hope that this was helpful! Please let us know in the comments if there is anything you are glad you brought along for your toddler or what you wish you’d brought!

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Great Wolf Lodge Packing List for Families
• 10 Smart Packing Tips for Families
• How to Choose a Cruise: Tips for Picking the Best Cruise Itinerary

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List for Toddlers appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.

How to Choose a Cruise

Earlier this year, we went on our first cruise – and we had such fun time!

I’m convinced that cruising is one of the best ways to travel – you wake up in a different place every morning, lots of food, tons to do…it’s just really fun!

We took our two boys (6 and 2 at the time), and we all had a great time.

The hardest part – in my opinion – is just deciding on your cruise itinerary.

There are seriously SO many options out there, and it can be super overwhelming as you go and start searching for them.

So I thought I would share a few things to consider when choosing your cruise itinerary that I think

Where to Book?

One thing to keep in mind about booking a cruise is that most places will have the exact same prices (source). If it seems cheaper than another website, it’s likely because they haven’t included all of the prices, and it typically says “Cruise price from …”, meaning, the prices start there and typically just go up.

So when booking, I would just go with a place you feel most comfortable with. Some booking agents will offer little perks to get you to book with them, but I think it’s most important to book with someone that you trust.

I went back and forth between Costco and Get Away Today. I love both of these places, but in the end, I decided to go with Get Away Today. They’ve always been so helpful to us for our Disneyland trips, and I knew that they’d be the same with our cruise.

Everyone who helped us book was so kind and responsive – and their website is so easy to navigate. I definitely recommend booking with them! They book for many of destinations, ports, and cruise lines. You can browse their website, and if you need any help, they are just a phone call away.

Cruise Direct is another great option from what I’ve seen.

You can definitely book directly through the cruise website as well. For some, this may make you feel more confident in knowing you’ve booked directly from the source

Destination?

Where would you like to go? There are cruises all over the world, so I think the first step is to decide where you’d like to go. Some popular cruises include:

• Bahamas
• Mexico
• Alaska
• Europe
• Hawaii

Once you’ve decided the general location, you can start to research some of the next things – such as the port and cruise line. You should consider things like the time of year you are going, what kinds of activities you would like to do, etc. For us, we narrowed it down pretty quickly because there aren’t a lot of Zika-free areas for the type of cruises we were interested in, so the Western Caribbean it was!

What is the Best Cruise Line?

I wasn’t sure if I should talk about cruise line or port first, but I think that cruise line is probably most important.

There are quite a few different cruise lines out there, and this can be overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion on what is the best – and for what reason.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all the ships on a specific cruise line are going to be the same – so once you choose a cruise line, you’ll be faced with choosing a ship as well. But even if the ships vary, cruise lines tend to be pretty streamlined across all their ships in terms of food and service. However, amenities and activities can vary substantially – even amongst cruise lines – so that’s definitely something to research as well once you’ve decided on the cruise line.

Now, as I said before, you’ll get LOTS of opinions on what cruise line you should go on. However, through my research, here are the general feelings I got about some of these major cruise lines here in the United States. Keep in mind that I mention children a lot, since that’s what we were primarily looking for. But if I mention it, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time without kids.

• Carnival – good for families and amongst the most affordable. We chose this one because of a) the price and b) it seemed pretty family friendly. It was also one of the only cruise lines I found that the childcare was included for ages two and up, not just three and up (most cruise lines had an additional charge for children two and under). People generally seem to really like the food on Carnival cruise lines – and we really liked it (you can read about our experience with that here – The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Cruise Food). This tends to attract more college students during peak seasons – such as spring break – because it is typically less expensive than other cruises.
• Royal Caribbean – This one is touted as being great for families, though from what I’ve seen, it’s more ideal for older children and teenagers. They offer a lot of great deals throughout the year – such as second guest 1/2 off, kids cruise free, etc. They have a lot of active/fitness centered entertainment, so if you are into that kind of thing, you’ll probably love RC. I thought a lot of their amenities and activities looked like a blast, but in the end, we were looking for the most budget-friendly cruise, and that was with Carnival. Lots of entertainment – they were first to bring condensed versions of Broadway favorites to the ocean.
• Norwegian – From my research, this one is good for families with teenagers. They also have a lot of activities for night owls and those that like to party. Good entertainment available. They have studio cabins, which are nice for people who are traveling by themselves!
• Disney – This is the ultimate family cruise – but they are also VERY expensive. If you are looking to have a really unique experience that is all about family, it’s definitely one to consider. We would have loved to have gone on a Disney cruise, but I just couldn’t justify the cost. I do love that there are no casinos on board! The entertainment is apparently amazing. They also offer a lot of “themed” cruises throughout the year (such as for Halloween). It’s truly all about making your cruise absolutely magical.
• Princess – This one seems to be best for couples, older people, or those who are just looking for a little romance.
• Holland – This one is popular for seniors. It is also known for offering some great enrichment experiences, and they sail all over the world. They have live cooking shows which sound like a blast!

There are plenty of other cruise lines, but these are definitely the most popular. I would consider what is most important for you for your cruise and then do some Google searches on those terms to see what you find out! A lot of it comes down to amenities and where you want to go.

I would caution you about reading reviews online. We went on the Carnival Ecstacy, and not all the reviews were glowing on some of the websites I went to. Some of them made it sound like we were basically cruising off to our death. It was an older ship with not as many amenities as some, but we had a BLAST. It’s all about attitude if you ask me! Obviously, if all the reviews are bad, that is something to keep in mind.

Port?

What port do you want to leave from? This is an important thing to consider, along with how you plan to get there.

For instance, we were interested in a Western Caribbean cruise, which narrowed down our port options quite a bit:

• Galveston
• Several in Florida (Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Cape Canaveral, etc.).
• Charleston

Because we have family in the Charleston area – and there was going to be a family reunion in North Carolina around the time we were going on our cruise – we decided that we would go with that port. Even though the ship was older, it made the most sense for us. A lot of people were surprised that there was even a port in Charleston when we would mention it – as far as I know, only Carnival sails out of there. We went on the Ecstacy, though they are bringing a newer and fancier boat there in 2019 – the Carnival Sunshine.

Anyways – once you’ve figured out what cruise line you are going on – as well as your destination – you can pick your port. It’s important to consider how you are going to get there – before we started considering Charleston, we looked into Florida and Texas, and the most affordable flights for us would have been to Texas.

How Long Should You Go?

Cruises last anywhere from three days to a few weeks long! So what should you choose?

Obviously, the longer you go, the more you are going to have to pay overall – though you may see a decrease in cost per day for a longer trip.

When choosing how long to go, you should consider:

• How many days are sea are there? Some people love these, some people hate them.
• What destinations will you be going to? Are there a variety of new things at each stop that makes it worth it to have extra stops?
• Ages of those going with you?
• Are you prone to seasickness? While I wouldn’t say this would indicate you need to go on a shorter cruise – if you are a first-time cruiser, it might be best to keep it on the lower end of things, just in case you are miserable!
• How long can you take off from work?
• Check flights (if you are flying in) to see what days surrounding the cruise are cheapest to fly in and out and build the length around that.

We went on a five-night cruise, and it seemed to be perfect for our family. We had 2.5 days at sea, and then we had two days at destinations. I could have probably gone another day or two, but the five-night cruise fit our budget the best.

Three and four-day cruises are generally the cheapest options, but I do feel like it would feel a little bit short – especially after going to the effort and expense to get there. But again – if that’s what you can afford, that’s what you can afford.

I don’t know that I’d go much longer than seven days – especially if you are a first-time cruiser or you have children. A lot of people who love cruising will go on longer cruises, and I think that could be fun at some point in my life. But I don’t think they are ideal for most people.

What is included? 

When looking at the cost of your ticket, make sure you know about all the extra charges – there are often port charges, taxes, and more that may or may not be included in the price you are looking at.

Most cruises are going to include food, some entertainment options, and lots of activities. But most cruises also really like to push their paid options – such as the spa, BINGO, and gambling, alcohol, etc.

You can even look at some of the add-ons that you are considering to see what ends up being the best deal. For instance, not all cruise ships have amazing Internet – in fact, until recently, most cruise chips charged by the minute for subpar (at best) Internet connection.

Other Factors to Consider:

I’ve touched on a lot of these factors above, but I felt they were worth diving more deeply into.

Budget

Honestly, this is the first thing I think you should consider before you do ANYTHING! Cruise can be very affordable – but they can also be very expensive.

You have to pay per person – not just per room. And while children are usually discounted, you still have to pay for them. Here are some expenses you have to keep in mind when coming up with the budget:

• Cost of the cruise (with taxes and port fees included) per person
• Tips (these are typically added automatically to your final bill after your cruise is over. It’s typically around $12-15 a person per day, though you can adjust it to whatever you want. Tips aren’t technically required, but it would be pretty poor form not to pay them. The cruise employees work hard!)
• Excursions – these aren’t required, but they can enhance your experience
• On board experiences – spa, gambling, etc. You can look online before you book to see what types of experiences are paid and which require additional payment
• Transportation to the port (flight, rental car, etc.)
• Hotel before and/or after the cruise

Time of year?

The time of year will definitely impact the cost of your cruise – and it can also impact your experience.

You can get some killer deals on cruises during a hurricane – but you have to consider at what cost. There are very real possibilities that your cruise will be canceled. And if it’s not, you may have to miss a stop or two if the destination is having bad weather. If the weather is poor while you are on the ship, it might not be very fun to have to stay cooped up inside the ship for days on end either.

Cruising season will be different based on where you are going – I found this article to be helpful in talking about the best and cheapest times to cruise. It breaks it down by destination, which is helpful.

Ages of people going

Some cruises are better for senior citizens. Some are great for families. And some are more geared toward parties. You definitely need to consider the ages of the people are going and research the cruise lines for that demographic. While most cruises will accept people of all ages, that doesn’t mean they are meant for every age.

What do you like to do?

As I mentioned some of the cruise lines toward the beginning of this cruise, I mention some of the activities available on those cruises. If you have a specific interest, look for a cruise that offers something along those lines. Choosing a cruise with a destination that has activities you want to do can help narrow it down as well.

I hope that this will help you figure out the best cruise line for your family. Again, I can’t say enough good things about Get Away Today. If you are still feeling overwhelmed, they will definitely walk you through the process.

Other Cruise Posts You May Enjoy:

• The Ultimate Guide to Carnival Cruise Food
• How to Not Gain Weight on a Cruise (From Someone Who Didn’t)
• Cruise Clothing 101: What to Wear on Your Cruise!

The post How to Choose a Cruise: Tips for Picking the Best Cruise Itinerary appeared first on Magical Family Travel Guide.