Many cruise companies are currently focused on family vacations, so the ships provide a well-developed entertainment infrastructure for children of various ages. Some cruise lines offer not only big discounts, but also the ability to accommodate children with two adults in a cabin completely free of charge. We have prepared information for you, from which you will learn everything you need before going on a cruise with children.
At what age can you take a child on a cruise
Each cruise line has its own policies regarding infants (children under 24 months). Infants are not allowed on long cruises longer than 10-14 days, especially transatlantic cruises. If the child is under one year old, then the cruise should not include more than one day at a time at sea. Many cruise companies officially do not recommend taking children under one year old with you, but do not prohibit them. Only the MSC company has no age restrictions for children (not on all routes); all other companies allow taking children on a cruise only from 6 months. In general, children under one year old are admitted in limited numbers. On board there is a certain number of cots (playpens), bedding for babies and high chairs in the restaurant/buffet.
Please note! If it is specified from 6 months, then the child must be 6 months old at the start of the cruise and it does not matter that 6 months will turn 6 months on the second or tenth day of the cruise. Everything is very strict with babies.
On which cruises do children travel for free
If the child is the 3rd passenger in the cabin, then cruise companies usually give discounts. With cruise companies Costa and MSC, children in most cases go on a cruise for free or for a nominal fee. Other cruise companies, such as Royal Caribbean, believe that a child is the same equal citizen as an adult, and therefore must pay at least 50% for him. Princess Cruises, for example, often have special promotions for the 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin, and for them the cruise fare is free, only port taxes are paid, and the age of the 3rd and 4th passengers does not matter. Traveling with your family in premium class is very, very profitable.
The same company, in different regional sales markets, with different agencies, indicates different ages for free and discounted rates for children. Therefore, each time you need to make a reservation before the final payment and look at the final cost for children.
Please note! Children’s rates only apply if the children are traveling with two adults, meaning they fill up the extra berths in the cabin. If the child is the 2nd passenger in the cabin, then there are no discounts.
Entertainment for children on a cruise
Cruise companies offer a lot of entertainment for every taste. The Disney cruise company is completely focused on family vacations with children. A cruise on one of this company’s ships is a real paradise for children. They are entertained by Disney cartoon characters, and there are several children’s clubs according to age. Colorful, highly professional shows are held on board. There are basically no casinos on the liners, and smoking is only allowed in a designated area. There is only one thing: prices for cruises with Disney are premium class.
Very good areas for children are present on Royal Caribbean ships, as well as NCl and Costa. On the premium class ships of the Princess Cruises cruise company, there are also three categories of children’s clubs by age: from 2 years to adolescence.
Whatever company you go on a cruise with, you always have the opportunity to enroll your child in the children’s club. Children under three years of age must be accompanied throughout their stay. If the child is already without diapers, then in some companies children are accepted into the children’s club unaccompanied by adults, starting from the age of two (for example, Carnival Cruise). The ships have children’s pools, playgrounds, slot machines for children, a children’s water park, game consoles and much more. On a cruise with some cruise lines, it is possible to order a nanny (paid service).
Children’s meals on a cruise
In the buffet you can always find something suitable for children: boiled rice or mashed potatoes, steamed cutlets, baked fish, fresh fruit to choose from. For breakfast there are boiled eggs, yoghurts, porridges, and cereals. In the main restaurants, a children’s menu is available for breakfast and dinner, including a menu for children from 6 to 12 years old (pasta with cheese, French fries, chicken, pizza, sandwiches, desserts). High chairs are provided. You can ask the waiter to warm up the baby food. On MSC ships, you can ask for a baby bottle warmer to be brought into your cabin. Please note that on the ships of the Costa cruise company and on the Golden Liners, porridge is available for breakfast in the buffet. Cruise ships from MSC, Costa, Carnival and Princess have meals for infants on board, but NLC and Royal Caribbean do not have special meals.
What to take on a cruise with a child
We recommend taking everything necessary for a child on a cruise from home: diapers, disposable diapers, baby food, potty, first aid kit, etc. You can buy something additional while staying at the port. For example, it is not possible to purchase diapers on the Costa cruise line. Take with you his favorite toy, a book, and a stroller will also come in handy so as not to constantly carry the child in your arms. Be sure to take everything you think is necessary with you, because only you know your child best.
