Tips for Cruising With a Baby

As a parent, you’re likely trying to plan every second of every day, and are always thinking ahead about what your baby may need. When it comes time to take a vacation with a baby, all the planning involved can feel overwhelming. Going on a cruise with a baby can be just the escape from reality you need, and it can involve a lot less planning. With everything you need on board and professional direction at each port call, you can enjoy more time with your baby and family and less time planning and worrying.

Some cruise ships are more kid-friendly than others, so do your research before picking the perfect cruise. Additionally, some ports are more kid-friendly than others, so consider the destinations as well. Before going on a cruise with a baby, it’s essential to ensure you have everything you need—keep reading to learn more about cruising with a baby.

Going on a Cruise With a Baby

Table of Contents

Is it OK to cruise with an infant?
How soon can a baby go on a cruise?
Is it worth taking a baby on a cruise?
Things to consider for cruising with a baby
Bathing baby on a cruise
Eating with baby on a cruise
Activities for baby on a cruise

Is it OK to cruise with an infant?

Taking an infant (even a newborn) on a cruise is perfectly acceptable, as long as the cruise is kid-friendly. Some cruises may even offer childcare so parents can enjoy some relaxation. From traveling in the airport to exploring the cruise ship, babywearing can make cruising with a baby a more enjoyable experience.

When traveling, there’s a lot of movement that happens. A baby carrier that makes taking your baby in and out can make traveling with them much easier. Not to mention, when sitting for long periods, your baby may want to move around but may be restricted to being on your lap. With a supportive hip seat carrier like the Tushbaby, you can sit or stand with ease while getting the support you need.

How soon can a baby go on a cruise?

Some cruise lines have age restrictions since a baby needs to fit in a lifejacket before heading out to sea. Typically, the minimum age requirement is six months.

Is it worth taking a baby on a cruise?

It depends. Cruises can deliver good value since most of them include food, lodging, and everything else you need. However, you may be charged an adult fare for your baby, which may not be worth it to some. If you choose to leave your baby at home, you’ll need to consider childcare and other costs associated. While your baby may not remember the cruise, the pictures and memories can last a lifetime; taking your baby on a cruise can be a fun and memorable experience for mom and dad.

Things to consider for cruising with a baby:

Passport/documentation: Your baby is a human that needs to be accounted for. Therefore, they may need a passport or legal documentation to travel domestically or internationally on a cruise. Cruises can have different requirements than traditional travel, so be sure to check with the cruise line or government official to determine what your baby needs. A birth certificate is usually enough proof of identification for your baby to board the cruise and travel.
Cruise fares & gratuities for babies: While you may have paid an adult fare for your baby, it’s generally not expected that you add gratuity for your baby. Of course, if a staff member has gone above and beyond to assist with your experience cruising with a baby, you may want to show them some extra appreciation.
Call ahead for cruise-provided baby supplies and accommodations: From bathing your baby to making sure they have food and snacks, you’ll want to find out what’s provided by the cruise line. You may also want to ask about policies for strollers, car seats, carriers, and other things you may need to bring along for your baby.
Bring other needed baby supplies: The cruise ship may be bigger than what you’ve imagined. As you make your way around the ship, you probably won’t want to carry your baby without support or lug a stroller around. The Tushbaby carrier is lightweight and versatile, with an open design and storage features that are ideal for traveling on a cruise. Store your fold-up changing pad, wipes, hand sanitizer, and other essentials in the five storage pockets, and take advantage of the four carry positions to discover the sights with your baby. The Tushbaby is one of the best baby carriers for travel because it can even double as breastfeeding support to make nursing in public more supported and private—and that’s one less thing to pack.
Seaports with a baby: Cruising is one thing, but visiting ports is another. You’ll want to make sure you have everything you need to leave the ship with your baby. Our Totebaby is the ideal bag for traveling with a baby; from perfectly placed storage products to a sleek vegan leather design, you can wow those other cruisers with your new bag of tricks.

Bathing baby on a cruise

Your stateroom shower may not be like your shower at home or at a regular hotel. Therefore, bathing a baby on a cruise may take some thought. If your baby can sit up, you can sit them in the shower and spray them with water, assuming the shower head is removable. For smaller babies, you may need to use the sink. Examine photos of the stateroom before boarding the cruise or contact the cruise line to determine if you need to bring any extra supplies to bathe your baby on a cruise.

Eating with baby on a cruise

Indulging in deluxe meals is one of the highlights of a cruise. However, your baby may not enjoy the food as much as you do. If your baby eats solids, you’ll need to order them food they want to eat, but for babies that don’t eat solids, you can ask the restaurant to puree food. If you need to or want to bring pre-packaged baby food, powdered milk, formula, or breast milk, check with the cruise line to see what’s allowed.

Activities for baby on a cruise

Some cruises are more kid-friendly than others. On cruises, babies can enjoy an afternoon in the pool with their parents, a shaded spot on the deck with just the right amount of sunshine, or parades or shows that may take place. Some babies enjoy stimulation more than others—explore the cruise ship and consider what your baby enjoys to find activities that will keep them happy and calm. Cruises have lots of lights and attractions that can be enjoyable for adults and babies!

Babies can have fun, too! Shop Tushbaby products today to see how we can make your cruise with a baby more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone!