Cruising With Infants and Toddlers
Every cruise line has it's own provisions for traveling with infants and children. The most family-friendly cruise line is definitely Carnival with a wide variety of programs even for children under age three. Most cruise lines require children to be 3 years of age and potty trained in order to be left with youth counsellors. Details of offerings by different cruise lines are shown below:
Carnival Cruises – Age 4 months to 2 years
Baby Needs: Diapers/wipes/lotion available in sundry shop on board (not open in port).
Baby Food: Pre-packaged baby food not available, but can request pureed food from kitchen.
Babysitting & Camp: Babysitting is provided for ages 0-11, nightly, from 10:00pm to 3:00am as well as during our Family Play Times on Sea Days and during free play times on port days. All babysitting services for Under 2's are charged at babysitting price ($6.00 an hour for first child, $4 an hour for additional children in same family). During Family Play Times on Sea Days parents with Under 2's are welcome to stay with their under 2's at no charge. Sign up is required for babysitting
Camp Carnival will close during the day to allow for Under 2’s. The closing times for 2-11 year olds will be 12-2pm/1pm-3pm and again for an hour before the dinner session.
Children under 2 years old will be offered babysitting services from 12pm-2pm on sea days (Babysitting fees apply). During this time parents can leave their child with the Camp Carnival staff or they are welcome to stay with their child free of charge. Infants under 24 months (2 years) may not participate in any scheduled activities taking place in Camp Carnival. THERE ARE NO AGE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY.
Children aged under 2 years old will be offered babysitting services on sea days during the supervised freeplay times (Babysitting fees apply). On port day mornings, infant care begins 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled ship tour to 12:00 noon, or port day afternoons during the scheduled freeplay times (for specific times check with your Youth Staff when arriving on board).
Diaper change: Carnival youth staff will change diapers, parents must supply the diapers and the wipes which will be labeled and kept in the playroom for use as needed. The Youth Staff will also keep parents informed about what type of diaper change the child has had during a shift and if additional diapers and wipes are needed.
Cribs, High Chairs & Strollers: A limited number of cribs and high chairs are available and should be requested ahead of time by your travel agent. Free strollers are available in port for small children.
Airport Transfers: ages 0-2 do not need tickets purchased, children 3 and older will need to have a ticket.
Royal Caribbean International
NEW! Oasis of the Seas, being introduced in December 2009, will have a nursery at sea that will care for children age 6 to 36 months. It was beta-tested on Splendour of the Seas. The nursery will be able to care for up to 15 children at a time, so reservations are recommended.
On the rest of Royal Caribbean's fleet:
Babysitting: Babysitting is offered both in a group setting, and individually in your stateroom. In stateroom babysitting must be reserved through the Guest Relations Desk (Purser's Desk) at least 24 hours in advance.
It cannot be reserved prior to the cruise vacation and there is no guarantee that sitters will be available. The service is offered when personnel is available.
Children MUST be at least 1 year old.
Approximate Rate: $8.00 per hour for one or two children within the same family or $10.00 per hour for three children within the same family.
Times and prices are subject to change without notice. Payment must be made in cash.
Cribs: Royal Caribbean provides Pack and Play's for use onboard. Pack and Play's are similar to a playpen. Cribs are no longer provided.
Pack and Play's specifics:
For use by children unable to climb out, less than 24" tall, and less than 30 lbs. Mesh on four sides Sets up in less than one minute Strong and stable, yet lightweight Approx. dimensions 28"W x 38 7/8"L x 31-1/4"H Mattress/pad is 1" thick Sheets are provided Folds for storage and includes carrying bag with handle
Pack and Play's should be reserved in advance so that we are sure we have enough onboard.
Group programs: Fisher Price Playgroups
6- to 36-month-old children can join in the fun of Fisher-Price Aqua Babies and Aqua Tots, interactive playgroup sessions developed by early childhood experts at Fisher-Price. Each 45-minute session offers age-appropriate activities that expose children to new experiences while seamlessly combining playtime with learning time. A parent or caregiver MUST accompany children during all playgroup sessions.
Due to Public health regulations, children in diapers, swim diapers, pull-ups, or who are not COMPLETELY toilet trained are not allowed in the pools, whirlpools, or H2O zone.
On the Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas children in diapers, or who are not toilet trained may use the Baby Splash Zone" specially designated for them.
Norwegian Cruise Line
A parent or guardian is required to register kids ages 2-17. After registering, kids can participate as often as they choose.
Your child will be assigned to an age group based on his/her age at sailing. If they have a birthday while at sea, only then they are moved up. Sorry, no exceptions can be made—this helps keep your child safe.
Kids under 13 may not sign themselves in and out. Only a designated adult over 21 may sign them in and out of Kid's Crew. Until our Youth Staff gets to know you, have a photo ID ready for drop off or pick up.
We're flexible. Our activities and programs are subject to change to accommodate a child's needs.
Sorry, we are not able to have one-on-one care within our Youth Programs.
Leave the flip-flops and sandals in your cabin—we play hard and require proper footwear.
We are not able to change diapers or pull-ups, but we leave you with a beeper to alert you to do the duty. Beepers do not work ashore, so parents will have to stay onboard when their children are in our Youth Program.
Your child not feeling well? Sick children need to see the medical center before coming to the program. There's no charge if your child is well and is allowed to join the activities.
Please let us know if your child has allergies or note any medications on their registration…we like to have snacks and will need to know.
Want to involve the whole family? Great activities are offered throughout the cruise including Pizza Making. Just remember, a parent is required to attend with a child to participate.
Because our Youth Staff is not included in onboard gratuities, cash gratuities are divided among the staff and greatly appreciated. Individual gratuities can be made through the onboard Reception Desk.
Please don't hesitate to call with questions at 1.800.327.7030 or speak with the Youth Program Supervisor once aboard.
Celebrity Cruises Infants/Children
Our current policy does not provide reduced fares for infants/children, nor does it allow them to sail free of charge. For specific sailings, we do offer 3rd and 4th guest rates at a reduced cost in triple and quad occupancy staterooms. These rates are designed to offer the same fare to all third and fourth guests, regardless of age. We genuinely regret any inconvenience experienced as a result of the information provided in this regard.
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Babysitting (Youth Program):
For a nominal fee of $6.00 per hour per child, children participating in the Celebrity Youth Program, ages 3-12 years old, can participate in the Afternoon Party from 12:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. on port days and/or the evening Slumber Party from 10:00 P.M. - 1:00 A.M. daily. Children participating in the Celebrity Youth Program Afternoon and Slumber Parties must be a minimum age of 3 years old and completely toilet trained (diaper/pull-up free). Celebrity Youth Program Afternoon and Slumber Parties are available on all Celebrity vessels year round.
Babysitting (Stateroom Services):
For a nominal fee of $8.00 per hour, for up to two children within the same family, parents can arrange for a private, in-cabin Baby Sitter. Babysitting services are available through the Cabin Services Desk onboard all Celebrity vessels. Parents are asked to make all private, in-cabin babysitting requests 24 hours in advance. Children must be a minimum age of six months or older and there are to be no more than two children per Baby Sitter. Private, in-cabin babysitting is subject to personnel availability.
Holland America Lines
A limited number of high chairs, booster seats and cribs are available at no charge. These must be reserved in advance at the time of booking.
Holland America Line has a youth program for guests ages 3-17
Club HAL® After Hours is available on all ships (except the ms Prinsendam) from 10:00pm - 12:00am. The fee is $5 per child, per hour. Parents must pick up their children on time or a late fee is charged. For babysitting outside of the hours offered in Club HAL, guests may check at the Front Office to schedule this service provided by staff on a voluntary basis only.
By advance request only, the ship can supply a limited selection of commercial baby food. Guests are advised to make special dietary requests in advance though their travel agents.
Princess Cruise Lines
TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
Children over six (6) months of age at the date of sailing will be accepted on the following itineraries: Alaska, Canada & New England, Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, Transcanal and Australia & New Zealand (coastal cruise only). Only children over the age of one (1) year at the date of sailing will be accepted for the following itineraries: Africa, South America, South Pacific, Hawaii, Tahiti, world cruises including Asia, Antarctica, Indian subcontinent, Transatlantic and Transpacific cruises.
Facilities are not available for children under 3 on any of the Princess Ships. Youth Center staff cannot administer medication, bottle-feed, change diapers, or provide meal service.* Private in-cabin babysitting is not available on any Princess ship. All children participating in youth activities must be at least 3-years old and potty-trained.
