Cruises for Children
A practical guide for parents and grandparents cruising with kids, from six months to seventeen.
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Ask parents why they cruise and you hear the same answers: one booking covers meals, entertainment and travel; the children have their own supervised clubs; and everyone wakes up somewhere new without packing again. Cruises for Children is a practical guide to sailing with kids — from the minimum age for babies to keeping teenagers happy — written for parents and grandparents planning a family cruise.
Family cruising has changed enormously. Today’s large ships carry waterslides, splash zones, climbing walls, family-size cabins and youth programs split by age. But not every ship suits every family, and policies on babies, nurseries and teens vary a great deal between lines. A little research before you book makes the difference between a great family holiday and a frustrating one.
Kids’ Clubs by Age
How youth programs are split by age, what they include and how check-in works.
Babies & Toddlers
Minimum sailing ages, nurseries, diapers, cribs and what to pack.
Family Cabins
Connecting cabins, family suites, bunks and where on the ship to sleep.
Teens & Tweens
Teen clubs, freedom with rules, and keeping in touch on board.
Sea Days & Port Days
Planning each day around naps, meals and the best family excursions.
Health & Safety
Documents, sun, water safety, seasickness and a family meeting plan.
What Changes With Each Age
| Age | What works well | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Under 6 months | Not yet allowed on most mainstream lines | Minimum ages are strict and checked at the pier |
| 6 months to 2 years | Short cruises, nurseries on some ships, splash areas for little ones | Diapered children are generally kept out of the main pools |
| 3 to 5 | Kids’ clubs (usually toilet-trained), character and theme activities | Naps and early bedtimes versus late dinners |
| 6 to 11 | The sweet spot: clubs, waterslides, pools and kid-friendly excursions | Sun and dehydration on long pool days |
| 12 to 17 | Teen lounges, sports, late-night events, more independence | Agree on rules, curfews and meeting times |
Choosing a Family-Friendly Cruise
- Match the ship to the ages. Big resort ships suit most children; quiet luxury ships rarely do.
- Shorter first. A three- to five-night cruise is a good test for young children.
- Look at the itinerary. Lots of sea days mean more ship time; port-heavy cruises can tire small children.
- Sail during school holidays — or not. Holiday weeks bring more kids to play with, and higher fares.
- Check the youth program schedule. Hours, age bands and fees differ by line and ship.
New to cruising altogether? Our sister site First Time Cruise explains booking, embarkation and life on board step by step. For family safety basics, see Cruising Is Safe.
Why Families Use Our Advisors
Family fares depend on how many people share a cabin, children’s ages and the exact sailing — so we never publish prices here. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise check which ships have the right cabins, clubs and policies for your children, and quote the whole family at once.
Cruises for Children is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a quote, our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise handle it personally — not a call center — and book everything for you. Meet Mister Cruise →
Parents’ Questions
What is the best age to take children on a cruise?
There is no single best age. Babies can sail on most mainstream lines from six months, but many parents find cruising easiest once children are about three, potty-trained and old enough to join the kids’ club. Teens love the freedom and their own lounges.
Are kids’ clubs included in the fare?
On the big family lines, the main daytime and evening youth programs are generally included. Extras such as late-night group sitting or nurseries for babies usually carry an hourly fee. Check your line’s current policy.
Do children need passports to cruise?
On closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports, U.S. citizen children under 16 can usually travel with a birth certificate, according to CBP. A passport is still the safest choice, and some itineraries and cruise lines require one.
Which cruise lines are best for families?
Lines that build big family ships, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney and MSC, offer the most for children. Luxury and small-ship lines usually have fewer or no kids’ programs. The right fit depends on your children’s ages and your budget.
Plan Your Family Cruise
Tell us your children’s ages, your dates and where you would like to go. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find the right ship and send free quotes.
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