7 Tips for Planning A Cruise With Kids
Tips for Cruising With Kids: What Every Parent Should Know Before You Sail
Cruising with kids can be one of the easiest and most memorable family vacations — if you know what to expect. From built-in entertainment and kid-friendly dining to stress-free travel days, cruises offer a unique mix of adventure and convenience for families.
That said, cruising with children also comes with a learning curve. After cruising multiple times as a family, I’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what makes a cruise vacation with kids actually feel like a vacation for parents too. If you’re planning your first (or next) family cruise, these practical tips will help you feel confident, prepared, and excited before you even step on board.
Best family photo ever.
1 - Be Strategic About Dining Times
Cruise dining can be incredibly family-friendly, but timing matters.
Helpful dining tips:
Choose early dining if your kids keep a regular bedtime
Take advantage of buffets for quick, flexible meals
Don’t be afraid to ask servers for kid-friendly substitutions
Many cruise lines go above and beyond to accommodate picky eaters and dietary needs, so speak up — it’s part of the experience.
2 - Pay for Laundry Service (It’s Worth It)
Paying for laundry service on a cruise might feel like an unnecessary add-on, but when you’re cruising with kids, it’s absolutely worth it.
Kids are messy, spills and accidents happen, and laundry adds up fast
On our last cruise, we filled a full laundry bag nearly every day
Leaving the ship with mostly clean clothes is something you’ll be thankful for when returning home
Pre-paying for laundry or buying a package on embarkation day is cheaper than paying per item throughout the trip
It’s better to have the option and not use it than to need it and pay inflated prices later
I wouldn’t prepay for laundry on a short weekend cruise, but for longer sailings with kids, this is an easy yes.
This was one of her favorite “smiles” during the trip.
3 - Take Advantage of Kids’ Clubs
Kids’ clubs are one of the biggest perks of cruising with children. They offer structured activities, games, crafts, and themed events led by trained staff — and kids usually love them.
This is also your chance to:
Enjoy a quiet meal
Relax by the pool
Book a spa appointment
Shop on board or go to the casino
A happy kid in the kids’ club often means a more relaxed parent onboard!
4 - Pack Smart (But Don’t Overpack)
It’s tempting to bring everything “just in case,” but cruise cabins are compact. Focus on essentials and items that will truly make your trip easier.
Must-pack items for cruising with kids:
Refillable water bottles
Sunscreen and motion sickness remedies
A first aid kit is great - especially stocked with bandaids and meds.
Kids underwear and diapers are a place that I DO overpack - you can never be prepared enough here as both are difficult to shop for in a pinch
An over the door shoe holder helps keep essentials easily accessible and organized
Multiple bathing suits for ocean and pool outings.
Most cruise ships sell basics onboard, but they’re often overpriced. Packing smart saves money and time.
5 - Plan Shore Excursions With Kids in Mind
Shore excursion days can be exciting but exhausting for kids. When booking excursions, consider length, transportation time, and physical demands.
Family-friendly shore excursion ideas:
Beach days
Short sightseeing tours
Animal encounters
Hop-on hop-off bus tours
Not toddler-friendly shore excursion ideas:
Bike tours - toddler seats aren’t always available
Wine tours
Cooking classes
Hiking or high intensity tours
If you’re not finding family friendly tours, getting off the boat at the port and walking the town is a great way to explore. Knowing how your kids handle exploring new places in hot or cold weather is a big deal. I’m always willing to compromise on the excursion if it means that I won’t hear my children complaining all day long. You’re not only locked into shore excursions through your cruise ship either. It’s worth searching sites such as Get Your Guide and Viator for other options. (If you book a tour through either of those links, I earn a commission!)
Moreton Island, Australia, with sailboat in the distance.
6 - Book a Family-Friendly Cabin (It Makes a Huge Difference)
Cabin choice matters more when you’re cruising with kids. Storage, layout, and bathroom space can make or break your experience.
Family-friendly cabin tips:
Consider a balcony cabin for extra space and quiet downtime
Most 4-people cabins will have sofa beds or bunk beds for children
Choose mid-ship cabins if your child is prone to motion sickness
A balcony gives you the option to spend more time in the cabin when little ones need a nap or less stimulation
Even a small increase in space can make daily routines like bedtime and getting ready far less stressful.
7 - Choose the Right Cruise Line and Ship for Your Family
Not all cruises are created equal when it comes to kids. Some ships are incredibly family-friendly, while others are better suited for adults or older travelers.
When cruising with kids, look for:
Dedicated kids’ clubs and age-specific programming
Family cabins or connecting staterooms
Flexible dining options
Ships with pools, splash pads, and indoor activity spaces
Larger ships often offer more onboard activities for kids, while smaller ships may feel easier to navigate with younger children. Think about your child’s age, energy level, and interests when choosing your ship. The Norwegian Epic has by far been the best ship for our family and you can read all about it here!
Family picture with a Komodo Dragon on Komodo Island, Indonesia
One last thing we like to do that is not necessary is have a surprise for our kids. On London’s first cruise, we ordered her a stuffed bear that was delivered on the first day. We had balloons decorating our door for our last trip. Our upcoming cruise is another long one so I arranged for chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate dipped pineapples to be delivered halfway through it, on one of the sea days. These little things are easy memory makers for kids, cost us about $40 and they’ll be talking about it for a long time.
Unless it’s an absolute necessity, I do not recommend taking a carseat on a cruise. They never fit under the bed or in the closets. We ended up storing ours in the bathtub most of the time. Stroller wise, take the smallest stroller possible that can handle the excursions you plan on doing. I highly recommend the GB Pockit Stroller but we’ve also taken an older version of the City Mini. The GB Pockit exceeded my expectations - you can read about it in this blogpost and this one too. It folds up so small that you can hide it under the bed or in the closet when you’re not using it.
Do you have any cruising with kids tips you’d like to share?
