There can be no denying it, cruising is booming! Cruise lines are increasing the size of their fleets and new and exciting ports are introduced to cruise programs every year. However, the big drawcard for families are the fantastic inclusions that cruising offers: all your onboard meals, activities to entertain the whole family, and amazing facilities onboard with some ships featuring ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, bumper cars, water slides and much, much more. Combine this with fantastic affordability plus itineraries visiting beautiful ports and you’ve ticked all the boxes for your next family holiday. To answer some of your family cruising questions, check out our guide below.
Kids’ Club Facilities
Cruising is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with the family, with activities and onboard amenities providing copious fun for small children and adult children alike. But with the growing pressures on parents in this ever-evolving, electronic world, they need a break too. Cue kids’ clubs! These facilities dedicate themselves to giving your kids an entertaining cruise holiday with other children their own age, while their parents spend quality time to themselves. You could bask in the sun on a deck chair with a cocktail in hand, enjoy an intimate culinary experience at one of the onboard specialty restaurants, or just take advantage of the quiet by taking a well-deserved holiday nap. The possibilities are endless, and the kids will be having so much fun in your absence you might find that they never want to leave!
Please note, in most instances, children are only permitted to participate in the kids club facilities if they are fully toilet trained (no nappies or pull-ups) and they must be able to independently use the bathroom. The staff at the kids’ clubs are unable to assist in the bathroom in any way. Please contact us should you wish to confirm the specific toilet training requirements of your desired cruise line.
Carnival Cruises: Australia International
| Penguin Colony | Stingrays | Sharks | Circle C | Club O₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 – 5 years | 6 – 8 years | 9 – 11 years | 12 – 14 years | 15 – 17 years |
NB: Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim nappies) are not allowed in any of the water facilities onboard.
Babysitting: ‘Night Owls’ is Carnival’s group babysitting service within the kids club and is available for a fee between 10pm and 1am. Service is only available for children between the ages of 12 months and 11 years.
Celebrity Cruises
| Toddler Time | Shipmates | Cadets | Ensigns | X-Club Teens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years# | 3 – 5 years | 6 – 8 years | 9 – 11 years | 12 – 17 years |
#Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Babysitting: Group babysitting in the Fun Factory is available for children aged between 3 and 11 between 10pm and 1am for a fee. Alternatively, in room babysitting is open to children 12 months or older for up to three children from the same family at a fee.
Celestyal Cruises
| Toddler Time | Shipmates | Cadets | Ensigns | X-Club Teens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years# | 3 – 5 years | 6 – 8 years | 9 – 11 years | 12 – 17 years |
#Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Babysitting: There is no babysitting services provided.
Costa Cruises
| Mini & Maxi Club | Teen Club Junior | Teen Club |
|---|---|---|
| 3 – 11 years | 12 – 14 years | 15 – 17 years |
Babysitting: The Mini & Maxi Club facilities are open for 3 to 11 year olds between the hours of 9am and midnight. No other babysitting service is available.
Disney Cruises
| Disney Oceaneers Club & Disney Oceaneers Lab | Edge | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| 3 – 12 years | 11 – 14 years | 14 – 17 years |
Babysitting: Group babysitting is available for children up to 3 years of age at the ‘It’s a Small World Nursery’. Additional fees apply and this service is subject to availability.
Holland America
| Kids Program | Tweens Program | Teens Program |
|---|---|---|
| 3 – 6 years | 7 – 12 years | 13 – 17 years |
NB: Some ships in the Holland America fleet do not offer kids club facilities.
Babysitting: Group babysitting is available for a fee from 10pm until midnight at ‘Club HAL After Hours’ for children aged three and over. At other times and for children under the age of three limited babysitting is available and can be requested through the front desk for a fee.
MSC Cruises
| Baby Time | Mini Club | Junior Club | Young Club | Teenager Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 3 years+ | 3 – 6 years | 7 – 11 years | 12 – 14 years | 15 – 17 years |
+ Must be accompanied by a parent.
Babysitting: Not offered
Norwegian Cruise Line
| Guppies~ | Turtles | Seals | Dolphins | Entourage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months – 2 years | 3 – 5 years | 6 – 9 years | 10 – 12 years | 13 – 14 years 15 – 17 years |
~Available on select ships only. Enables infants to enjoy 2 hours of play per day with parents.
Babysitting: ‘Late Night Fun Zone’ is available for a fee between 10.30pm and 1.30am and is for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Children in nappies are allowed to participate, however staff cannot change nappies or pull-ups. Parents of children in nappies will be provided with a pager when they drop their children off, and will be alerted when their child needs assistance. All pages must be responded to within 15 minutes.
P&O Cruises Australia
| Turtle Cove¤ | Shark Shack | HQ | HQ+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 – 6 years | 7 – 10 years | 11 – 14 years | 15 – 17 years |
¤Children under the age of two are able to use the Kid’s Club Facilities under the direct supervision of their Parent/Legal guardian. To attend the Kid’s Clubs without a Parent/Legal guardian children must be toilet trained.
Babysitting: Group childminding is available for a fee for children aged between 2 and 12 years between 10.30pm and 1am.
Princess Cruises
| The Treehouse^ | The Lodge | The Beach House | Club 1820 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 – 7 years | 8 – 12 years | 13 – 17 years | 18 – 20 years |
^Children under the age of three are able to use the Children’s Centre Facilities under the direct supervision of their Parent/Legal guardian.
NB: Some ships in the Princess fleet have limited childcare facilities.
Babysitting: Group childminding is available for a fee for children aged between 3 and 12 years between 10pm and 1am.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
| Royal Babies & Tots Nursery¥ | Aquanauts | Explorers | Voyagers | Tweens | Teen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 – 36 months | 3 – 5 years | 6 – 8 years | 9 – 11 years | 12 – 14 years | 15 – 17 years |
¥Only available on certain ships at an additional charge. Parents will be contacted should their child require a nappy change.
NB: Children who are not toilet trained (and those in diapers or swim nappies) are not allowed in any of the water facilities onboard.
Babysitting: In cabin child minding available for children over the age of one between 8am and 2am at a per hour fee.
Travelling with Infants
With so much media hype recently about cruising and its amazing offerings for holiday-planning parents, it can be tempting for parents with infants to want to try the family cruising experience. However, limited neonatal facilities onboard cruise ships can mean that an emergency out at sea could have terrible consequences. As such, cruise lines have very strict criteria regarding the minimum age of passengers able to board their ships. Please refer to the below table as a guide, though it is always recommended to confirm the specific criteria for your preferred cruise line prior to booking.
|
Cruise Line |
Minimum Age to Travel |
| Carnival Australia | Domestic Cruises = 6 months*
International Cruises = 12 months* |
|
Carnival International |
Transatlantic, cruises to remote areas, or cruises with more than 2 consecutive sea days = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
|
Celebrity Cruises |
Cruises with more than 2 consecutive sea days, Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South America cruises and other select cruises/cruise tours = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
| Celestyal Cruises | 3 months* |
| Costa Cruises | Transatlantic cruises or cruises of 15 days or more = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
|
Disney Cruise Line |
Transatlantic or Panama Canal = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
|
Dream Cruises
|
6 months* |
|
Holland America
|
Transocean crossings and other select sailings = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
|
MSC Cruises |
6 months* |
|
Norwegian Cruise Line |
Cruises with more than 2 consecutive sea days = 12 months*
All other = 6 months* |
|
Princess Cruises |
Alaska (excl. Cruise Tours), Canada and New England, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Europe (excl. Transatlantic) = 6 months*
All other = 12 months* |
|
Royal Caribbean |
Cruises with more than 2 consecutive sea days, Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, selected South America cruises and other select cruises/cruise tours = 12 months* All other = 6 months* |
* Upon the date of embarkation. Subject to the discretion of the cruise line and can change at any time. All cruises are subject to itinerary changes that may result in infants under 12 months of age being unable to travel. Please contact us prior to booking to confirm eligibility for your infant to travel.
Cruising while pregnant
Due to limited neonatal and postnatal facilities onboard cruise ships, cruise lines cannot, for safety reasons, carry passengers who will reach their 24th week of pregnancy by the end of their cruise. In addition, for those women who are less than 24 weeks pregnant, cruise lines may require you to supply doctor’s certificates and/or complete forms to submit to the cruise line prior to travel. If you are pregnant and planning to cruise, please contact us to confirm the specific requirements for your preferred cruise line to ensure smooth embarkation and safe travels.
What is supplied onboard for children and infants?
Carnival Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Baby food and formula is not carried onboard. Distilled water can be brought onboard or can be purchased. Baby food can be brought onboard but must be pre-packages, unopened and cannot require any food prep from dining staff. Home made items or pre-cooked foods will not be permitted. All items must be stored in your stateroom.
Children’s menu: Available at most onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Single and double strollers are available to rent onboard for a fee, subject to availability.
Celebrity Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Any requests for baby food must be made at time of booking. Otherwise there is no baby food or formula available onboard.
Children’s menu: Available at the buffet and main dining room.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Costa Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Not supplied onboard.
Children’s menu: Available at most onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in most dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Disney Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Shops on Disney cruise ships offer baby supplies for sale including formula and baby food, subject to availability.
Children’s menu: Available at most onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Shops on Disney cruise ships offer baby supplies for sale including nappies, subject to availability.
Strollers/Prams: A very limited number of strollers are available onboard on a first-come first-served basis.
Holland America
Baby food and Formula: Baby food can be requested prior to departure for a nominal fee.
Children’s menu: Available in the Dining Room, Lido Restaurant and Terrace Grill.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request, subject to availability.
Nappies: Nappies can be requested prior to departure for a nominal fee.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
MSC Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Not provided but can be brought onboard.
Children’s menu: Available at most onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested in writing at time of booking and must be confirmed in writing by MSC head office.
High Chairs: High chairs are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request, subject to availability.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Baby food and Formula: Not provided but can be brought onboard.
Children’s menu: Available at select onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed. It is recommended to book a larger stateroom to accommodate the size of the cot.
High Chairs: High chairs are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard but can be pre-purchased for delivery to your stateroom.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
P&O Cruises Australia
Baby food and Formula: Not supplied however P&O Australia can store any baby food or formula. It must be sealed, and commercially produced and packaged.
Children’s menu: Waterfront restaurant has a special kids menu on offer each day. There is also a kids only dinner each night at the Plantation Restaurant.
Cots/Cribs: Cots must be requested at time of booking. Please note, when a cot is being used a Queen Bed cannot be accommodated. Bedding will be 2 x Singles and 1 cot.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Princess Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Formula not provided. With advance request Princess can offer Stage 1 and Stage 2 baby food. Guests can also request fresh foods to be pureed for the baby’s consumption in the main dining room.
Children’s menu: Available at select onboard dining venues.
Cots/Cribs: Must be requested at time of booking and are not guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Baby food and Formula: Not available onboard.
Children’s menu: Available at select onboard dining venues upon request.
Cots/Cribs: Cots must be requested at time of booking but are never guaranteed.
High Chairs: High chairs and booster seats are available in the dining rooms and restaurants on request.
Nappies: Not available onboard.
Strollers/Prams: Not available onboard.
Cruise Lines that Accommodate more than Four in a Cabin
If you have a family of four, you will find that most ships can accommodate you within their quad cabins (these rooms tend to be bunk bed style), however any more than four and you’ll start to have troubles. While you can find interconnecting cabins on most ships, many parents would prefer to book a single room to accommodate their whole family. And you do have options! See below a guide of rooms that are able to accommodate more than four to one cabin and on which ships you can find them. Please note, these cabins are extremely popular and tend to book out quickly. As most of these options cannot be booked online, please contact us to secure your cabin.
NB: Cabins may be referred to by different names on each ship to those listed. If you are unsure, please contact us.
Carnival Cruises
| Cabin Type | Max Passenger Capacity | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Family Oceanview Stateroom | 5 guests | Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor |
| Family Harbor Suite | 5 guests | Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon |
Celebrity Cruises
| Cabin Type | Max Passenger Capacity | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Family Balcony Stateroom | 5 guests | Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Summit |
Holland America
| Cabin Type | Max Passenger Capacity | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Family Oceanview | 5 guests | Koningsdam |
MSC Cruises
| Cabin Type | Max Passenger Capacity | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Super Family Oceanview | 5 guests | MSC Meraviglia |
| Super Family Balcony | 5 guests | MSC Meraviglia |
| Super Family | 5 or 6 guests* (Depending on ship) | MSC Bellissima (6), MSC Divina (6), MSC Grandiosa (6), MSC Magnifica (5), MSC Meraviglia (6), MSC Orchestra (5), MSC Poesia (5), MSC Preziosa (6), MSC Seaside (6), MSC Seashore (6), MSC Seaview (6) |
| Super Family Plus Oceanview | 9 guests | MSC Meraviglia |
| Super Family Plus Balcony | 10 guests | MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Seaside, MSC Seashore, MSC Seaview |
Norwegian Cruise Line
| Cabin Type | Max Passenger Capacity | Ships |
|---|---|---|
| Owners Suite | 5 guests | Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Star |
| Family Suite | 6 guests | Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star |
| Two Bedroom Family Suite | 6 guests | Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star |
| Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suite | 5 guests | Pride of America |
| The Haven: 3 Bedroom Garden Villa | 8 guests | Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Jewel |
| The Haven: Deluxe Owner’s Suite with large balcony | 6 guests | Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Jade |
| The Haven: Two Bedroom Family Villa with Balcony | 6 guests | Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Pearl. |
Royal Caribbean
Correct as at March 2018. While every effort has been made to ensure this information is as accurate as possible, it is to be used as a guide only, is subject to change, and may vary between different ships within each cruise line.
