Is cruising with kids a good idea?

Is cruising with kids a good idea? Is cruising with kids a good idea? We think so, but a lot depends on the cruise line and how child-friendly they are. Norwegian are the best cruise line for kids and families that we have used. They had huge kids' clubs, loads of activities and fun things to do for the whole family, not just for kids.

What is the best way to cruise as a family of 5?

Is cruising with kids a good idea?

Is cruising with kids a good idea? We think so, but a lot depends on the cruise line and how child-friendly they are. Norwegian are the best cruise line for kids and families that we have used. They had huge kids' clubs, loads of activities and fun things to do for the whole family, not just for kids.

Are cruises with kids worth it?

Yes, family cruises are a great vacation option, though cruise lines do not permit you to bring infants younger than 6 months old on typical sailings. (On most exotic and transoceanic sailings, children must be 1 year or older.)

Should I take a stroller on a cruise?

You will want some kind of stroller or baby carrier for taking your child around the cruise ship and in port. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have rentals available; MSC offers loaners. You will need to store strollers in your cabin, so we recommend bringing a small umbrella stroller, rather than a large baby jogger.

Where do toddlers sleep on a cruise ship?

Some cruise lines offer staterooms with a pull-out sofa or bunk beds, which can be a convenient option for families with multiple children. Some cruise lines offer family staterooms or suites that are specifically designed for families with young children.

How do I avoid my child on a cruise?

As a rule of thumb, sailing when school is in session means fewer kids on the ship. That means avoiding times like the Christmas holidays, Spring Break, and summer. Meanwhile, you'll find few kids if you sail right before or after these holidays.

Is a balcony worth it on a cruise with kids?

But, if you can splurge, balcony staterooms on a cruise ship are awesome. If your kids are still in the napping phase, you can relax on your balcony while your kids are napping. Balconies give you extra living space and make your stateroom feel larger. On sea days, the upper decks are crowded.

Are balconies on cruise ships safe for kids?

Tall railings and walls: The walls and railings on most of the cruise ship balconies are at least 42 inches high. The height makes it a challenge for kids to climb over the railings. The railings are also sturdy enough to avoid any damage inflicted by people.

Is Carnival a good cruise line for kids?

Top-rated cruise lines like Carnival have high-quality kids programs like Camp Ocean. Camp Ocean allows parents to enjoy Carnival's activities for adults without having to stress about childcare. It's a simple solution for families so travelers of all ages can enjoy their Carnival cruise.

Which cruise line is least kid friendly?

Luxury Ships The intimate ships of high-end lines like Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, SeaDream Yacht Club and Regent Seven Seas Cruises (or ultra-premium lines, such as Oceania Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Azamara and Viking Ocean Cruises) are refined, dignified and geared to adults.

Is Royal Caribbean or Carnival more kid friendly?

Royal Caribbean wins out in most categories, but Carnival offers a solid budget- and family-friendly option. Ramsey is a freelance travel journalist covering business travel, loyalty programs and luxury travel.

What age is safe for a cruise?

Infants must be at least 6 months of age at the time of embarkation in order to sail. Children must be at least 12 months of age at the time of embarkation to sail on trans-ocean crossings and remote itineraries, where there are more than 2 consecutive sea days.

Should I take my 5 year old on a cruise?

The perfect age for taking your kids on a cruise is when they are old enough to be excited about the experience -- when they want to check out the ship and get excited about exploring in ports of call. Maybe they are more attracted by daily ice cream, pool time and Ping-Pong than cultural immersion, but that's OK.

Can my ex take my child on a cruise without my permission?

It is true that a parent who has sole custody of their child or children does not need permission from the other parent to travel domestically or abroad. Parents with sole custody will have to provide their court-ordered custody arrangement to get the child's passport.

Can kids get off cruise ship without passport?

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...

Are cruises fun for 4 year olds?

Yes! You will find the most kid-friendly options on family-oriented cruise lines such as Disney, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC and Norwegian, and the least on luxury lines or small ships geared more toward adults.

Are kids clubs on cruises safe?

Safety is very important to cruise lines. The kids clubs and nurseries all have gated access, meaning people can't just wander in; both kids and adults must be buzzed in by youth staff. Parents must sign the youngest kids in and out; older kids can sign themselves out but cannot leave without alerting a staff member.

What is the safest room on a cruise ship?

Lower decks It's a smart idea to select a stateroom below the waterline in addition to a mid-ship stateroom, which is typically distributed over multiple floors. This is due to the fact that this section of the ship, which is also its lowest and most central, is the most stable in choppy seas.

What happens if you have a family emergency on a cruise ship?

If the emergency is serious enough, sometimes passengers will be evacuated by helicopter or the ship will divert to a nearby port to get the passenger ashore as quickly as possible.