Taking a baby on a cruise is an unforgettable adventure, but it comes with its own unique surprise.
After all, cruise vacations are known for being relaxing, convenient, and packed with activities, but traveling with a baby adds a whole new layer of considerations to the mix.
Having recently experienced my first cruise as a parent, I realized there was so much I didn’t know before we boarded the ship. From what to pack to how to navigate the ship with a stroller, there were countless moments where I found myself learning as I went.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably read a few articles and checked out forums for tips on traveling with a baby. However, nothing truly prepares you for the unique quirks of life aboard a cruise ship when you’re juggling nap schedules, diaper changes, and feedings while still trying to enjoy your vacation.
I’m here to share what I wish I had known before setting sail, so you can feel more confident and prepared when it’s your turn to embark on this memorable journey.
Be Prepared to Pack More Than You Think
One of the most important lessons I learned while cruising with a baby is that being overprepared is essential. Although I was aware that certain items might be hard to come by onboard, I didn’t realize just how limited the availability would be, especially when it came to baby essentials.
On Icon of the Seas, there were absolutely no baby products available for purchase. No diapers, wipes, bottles, baby food, or even age-appropriate toys! This was something I definitely did not anticipate.
Even if these items had been available, it’s important to note that the ship’s shops have limited hours, often not aligning with your needs. This means that if you forgot something or ran out of essential items, you might not be able to get them easily.
We were glad we packed as much as we did, as it ended up being more than just helpful—it was a lifesaver.
From diapers to baby wipes, we used everything we brought and still had to stock up on more wipes while we were in port just to be on the safe side. Packing everything you could possibly need will ensure you don’t find yourself in a pinch during your cruise.
Excursions Have More Restrictions Than You Might Expect
Before booking our cruise, we imagined ourselves spending every day in port and lounging on the beach with our baby. It seemed like the perfect plan, especially since we knew our little one would only be able to use the Baby Splash Zone onboard—not the pools—making beach excursions a great way for her to swim.
However, we were surprised to learn that most of the excursions, even the basic beach trips, had age restrictions starting at around four years old. I’m still unsure whether this is due to transportation liability or safety concerns, but it definitely left us feeling a bit disappointed.
There were very few excursions available to families with babies, and we ended up either searching for independent activities on our own or simply strolling around the port, which isn’t exactly what we had in mind for a vacation. It’s important to research your excursions ahead of time and confirm if they’re baby-friendly, so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.
Family-friendly options, for even the youngest cruisers
I was excited to learn that the Icon of the Seas offers an Adventure Babies room, which is a fantastic service for parents traveling with young children.
The room is designed for babies aged 6 to 36 months and allows parents to drop off their little ones for baby care sessions for a small fee. It was a great opportunity for us to have some adult time to explore activities that weren’t suitable for a baby, such as the waterpark, adult comedy shows, and specialty dining.
However, it's essential to know that this service is not available on every ship, so be sure to check whether your cruise line offers similar services. Also, reservations are required, and because the room’s capacity is limited, it can fill up quickly, especially during busy sailings with many young children.
They also offered plenty of family programming, like black light puppet shows, bedtime stories under the stars, and others.
Another great tip is to check with the cruise line if they offer Adventure Ocean programming, as many ships provide complimentary toy rental bags filled with age-appropriate toys. These bags are a lifesaver and allow you to exchange them for a fresh set of toys anytime during your trip.
The other wonderful option are the babysitting services. They have a fee, but it's worth it.
A balcony cabin is essential for families with small children
While cruising has always been a dream vacation for me, I never realized just how important the type of cabin would be when traveling with a baby. While I’d happily sleep anywhere on a cruise, the cabin became a central part of our experience with a baby in tow.
One of the early challenges was which Royal Caribbean cabin to book for our family. We got lucky when booking our cruise, as the lowest cabin category came with a guaranteed balcony. Having this extra space was more important than I expected. With a baby, you’ll need a quiet, dedicated area outside of your cabin to enjoy some fresh air, converse with your partner, or simply relax without disturbing your little one.
We used our balcony not just for quiet moments but also as a play area for our baby. Watching the water and people-watching from the balcony became part of her daily routine. I don’t think I could go on a cruise again without booking a cabin with a balcony, as it gave us much-needed space and comfort during our time at sea.
Navigating the ship with a stroller can be tricky
If you’re planning to bring a stroller on board, be prepared for some tight squeezes. We opted for a travel stroller, which was more compact and easier to navigate compared to our everyday model. However, I didn’t anticipate just how difficult the hallways would be to navigate.
On embarkation and disembarkation day, the hallways were packed with suitcases, making it a challenge to move around. But it wasn’t just those days that proved tricky—every single day was an obstacle course. Cleaning carts, scooters, and other items often blocked the path, forcing us to squeeze through narrow spaces, sometimes bumping against walls.
If we had brought a wider stroller, there’s no way we would’ve made it through. It’s definitely something to consider when traveling with a baby, as hallways can get crowded, making stroller navigation a bit of a hassle.
Read more: 7 Best Royal Caribbean cruise ships for Kids
Additionally, we’re used to hopping on and off stairs quickly, but that wasn’t an option with the stroller. Navigating through the ship’s multiple levels meant that we had to wait for elevators. Unfortunately, this wasn’t always convenient since elevators can get crowded, and not all elevators accommodate strollers easily.
Plus, during peak hours, you can be waiting a while for one to open up that is big enough for you to fit in with a stroller.
There were a few times when we felt like we were in a race against the clock, trying to catch a lift before it became overcrowded with other guests. If you’re someone who is used to being on the move quickly with stairs or walking fast, this was definitely a noticeable change in our typical flow.
Food for babies on a cruise is easier to find than I thought
A major concern for us going into this cruise was whether our baby would have enough options to eat. She had recently started eating solids but still required soft foods, so we packed purees as a backup, just in case.
However, we quickly realized that we didn’t need to worry at all. The cruise staff, both in the Main Dining Room and the Windjammer buffet, were incredibly accommodating and more than willing to prepare food for our baby.
In the dining room, the waitstaff quickly brought over fruits and vegetables as soon as we were seated, so she could start eating while we waited for our own meals to arrive. In the Windjammer, we were impressed with the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available, and the staff was happy to steam fresh broccoli from the Asian station upon request.
It was such a relief to know that we didn’t need to bring along jars of baby food or worry about feeding her at mealtimes. The wide selection and the willingness of the staff to cater to our baby’s needs made a huge difference and allowed her to enjoy meals with us like a little foodie!
Expect to interact with other guests and crew more frequently than you’re used to
Normally, when we cruise, we tend to keep to ourselves or stay within our travel group. However, with a baby on board, things were different. Our little one had a natural curiosity and loved to interact with everyone she met, prompting many friendly conversations.
Crew members and fellow guests alike enjoyed chatting with her, whether in the elevators, during meals, or while walking around the ship. People were genuinely interested in hearing about our experience traveling with a baby and often joked about how she was earning her cruise loyalty status at such a young age.
We were surprised by how many new connections we made just by being parents with a baby. Traveling with a young child opened up more opportunities to interact with others and make lasting memories with fellow cruisers.
Read more: 50 tips for cruising with kids
Cruising with a baby makes for a stress-free family vacation
One of the biggest advantages of cruising with a baby is the convenience of always being close to your cabin. Whether she needed a nap, a diaper change, or just some quiet time, we could easily retreat to our cabin without the stress of coordinating transportation or worrying about getting back to a hotel.
We never had to feel guilty if we needed to leave a meal or activity early because we knew our cabin was just a few steps away. The convenience of being so close to our “home base” made it easy to explore the ship and ports at our own pace without the added stress of complicated logistics.
Plus, the best part of a cruise—only having to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations—is always a huge perk! Cruising offered a level of ease that made it the perfect first family vacation with our little one.
Taking a baby on a cruise may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and preparation, it can turn into an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
Looking back, I’m so glad we chose this as our family’s first big adventure. Despite the challenges, like figuring out how to navigate the ship with a stroller or adjusting to excursion limitations, we created memories that will last a lifetime.
Cruising with a baby comes with its own set of challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to create unforgettable memories. The key is to find your rhythm, stay flexible, and embrace the unexpected.
These tips are designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to make the most of your time at sea. With the right preparation, your family cruise can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.
