Getting Started with Cruise Travel with Your Baby

After having experienced the ups and downs of sleep training and finding fun and effective ways to encourage our baby’s gross motor skills at home, including baby-led weaning, we decided to venture out and take a bold step – planning a cruise trip with our little one.

In this post, we will share some of our tried and tested baby cruise tips, guide you through a handy packing checklist and give you some advice on managing travel with your baby. Plus, help you find some fun baby-friendly activities aboard the ship.

Preparing for Your Cruise Adventure

Before embarking on your cruise journey, the key is in preparation. To ensure a smooth voyage, pay attention to the following:

• Get to know your cruise ship: Look at the amenities provided. Is there a baby pool? A daycare centre? Knowing what’s available will help you plan better.
• Plan your itinerary: Choose shore excursions that are baby-friendly. Remember, the goal is to have an enjoyable vacation for everyone.
• Check the cruise line’s baby policy: Some cruises have age restrictions for babies. Make sure your little one meets the age requirement.
• Make a list: Brainstorm everything you might need for your baby during the cruise. This will become your packing checklist.

Creating Your Packing Checklist

Packing for a baby can seem overwhelming, especially if it’s your first cruise trip. We did a lot of research and found some excellent packing advice on CruiseCritic and ProfCruise. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Baby essentials: Diapers, wipes, formula (if not breastfeeding), baby food, bottles, pacifiers, etc.
• Clothing: Pack more clothes than days you’ll be on the cruise. Don’t forget swimwear and hats for sun protection.
• Medications: Bring along baby-friendly over-the-counter medicines. Pack them in a separate pouch for easy access during emergencies.
• Toys: Favor light, small toys that your baby loves and can keep them entertained during downtime.

Managing Travel with Your Baby

Just as we did with our sleep training, you should establish a routine aboard the ship. Regular naps and meal times will help your baby adjust to the new environment. Remember, a well-rested baby is a happy baby! Also, that strollers can be your best friend during shore excursions, but onboard, they can be bulky. Consider using a carrier or sling for moving around the ship.

Baby-Friendly Activities on the Cruise

Most modern cruise ships are family-friendly and offer numerous activities for little ones. For example, Royal Caribbean has baby splash pools, DreamWorks characters meet-and-greets, and even in-room babysitting. Engage your babies and toddlers in fun, interactive experiences. Remember to balance activities with downtime and stick to a routine similar to the one at home whenever possible.

Top Tips for Baby’s Meal Times

Taking care of your baby’s nutrition needs while on a cruise trip may seem daunting. Don’t panic – here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Formula Fees: If your baby is formula-fed, figure out ahead of time whether you can buy formula on board or if it’s better for you to bring your own. Remember, if you’re bringing your own, you might have to pack quite a lot depending on the length of your cruise.
• Eating Arrangements: Check whether your ship provides high-chairs or booster seats. This way, you can feed your baby comfortably.
• Choosing the Right Food: If your baby is on solid food already, check the cruise menu for softer food options that your baby can easily digest. Even better, some cruise lines often offer baby purees. Always choose healthy food options for your baby’s optimum growth and development.

Cruise Cabin Considerations

Not many parents think about this, but where your family is set up on the ship does matter to your cruise experience. Some pointers to consider:

• Extra Space: If the budget permits, opt for a larger cabin. The added space can be really helpful, especially when you’re dealing with a restless or energetic baby. SewWoodsy has some great advice in this regard.
• Location: Consider getting a cabin close to the nursery or main deck, particularly if you think you’ll be using these services regularly.
• Safety: Safety is always first. Make sure the room has no obvious safety hazards for your baby.

Handling Baby’s Bedtime on a Cruise

New environments can mess up baby’s sleep routine. But remember, you managed to sleep train at home, you can manage sleep during your travel too:

• Portable Crib: Check ahead if your cruise provides cribs for your baby. If they don’t, consider bringing a portable bassinet.
• Baby Blanket: Bring along their favorite blanket, it can help maintain their regular sleep environment.
• White Noise: The parties and sounds on the deck during the night might wake your baby. A white noise machine can effectively muffle these distractions.

Making Shore Excursions Fun for Your Baby

Shore excursions can be a lot of fun for your baby if you plan them right. Here’s how to go about it:

• Choosing Baby-Friendly Excursions: Choose excursions that don’t involve tonnes of walking or are inaccessible for a stroller. Destinations like parks, small towns, or beaches can be great.
• Pack Essentials: Pack everything you might need – diapers, wipes, snacks, water, sun protection, extra clothing, and more. You should prepare for everything. Check The World is a Book for a comprehensive list of what to pack.
• Consider the Lovey: Remember to bring your child’s favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other comfort object during the excursion to make them feel secure in a new environment.

Taking a cruise with your little one can seem challenging, but we promise, with the right preparation and mindset, it will be an experience you cherish for a lifetime.

Take these tips, prepare well, and let the cruise adventure with your baby begin!