Cruising With Baby

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(Optional) Things to Pack

Inflatable Baby Tub/Pool
Many cruise lines do not have bath tubs in their staterooms. If a tub is important to you, your travel agent can assist you in selecting the perfect stateroom for your sailing. However, packing an inflatable tub is great to have on the ship if a bath tub is not in your stateroom. Another plus to these small inflatable tubs/pools are out at the pool! Because, non-potty trained children cannot swim in the pool, having a small inflatable tub/pool between two lawn chairs are a great way to keep baby cool!!! You can find them for less than $20 and some even have little canopies! Remember, when purchasing them however, that they do need to be very small and not take up a lot of room out by the pool. 

 

Stroller
We are filing a stroller in the optional category! Depending on what you are planning on doing while on vacation, a stroller might not be necessary. They do take up a lot of space (although they store nicely under most stateroom beds, just don't forget about your suitcases). If you are planning on staying on board a stroller probably won't be used very often. They are sometimes hard to maneuver around the smaller hallways and busier areas. However, when going on an excursion we found the stroller to be quite helpful in going hands free and to help with bags, towels and anything else you might require on your excursion. 

Potty Seat
If your little one is potty trained, the toilets are regular-sized. A portable potty chair is a great idea! 

"Must Have" Things to Pack

Clothes, Toys, Bath Toys, Sand Toys, Sealed Store Bought Snacks, formula and baby food, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, baby soap, extra swaddle/stroller blanket, lovie, powder (great for sand/beach days), sunscreen, sun hat, medicine (just in case - Tylenol, Motrin, Gas Drops, & etc)

Embarkation Day Bag
On embarkation day you leave your main baggage in the cruise terminal which will be delivered to your stateroom later in the day. If you are lucky it will arrive quickly. If you are unlucky it might not arrive until after you have had dinner. We suggest bringing enough formula and baby food to last until the next morning (Longer if your next day is at sea), Diapers, wipes and cream to last you until the next morning (longer if the next day is at sea), outfit for dinner and other clothing changes that might be necessary,  toys, medicine, swimwear if your cruise has a water area for baby and sunscreen. Remember, that all sailings require an emergency evacuation drill. If you are going on a cold weather sailing be sure to bring baby's jacket and a blanket with you. We also found that a baby sling/carrier was very helpful during the drill.

Dish Soap
Whether it is a small bottle of your favorite organic dish soap or these handy "just add water" soapy paper towels these are a MUST for Bottles, Sippy Cups, pacifiers, toys and etc!

Baby Wear
Don't forget your sling, carrier, wrap or favorite baby wearing apparatus! Its a great way to go hands free while you explore the ship, stroll the markets on port days or enjoy on board activities.

Silicone Mat or Plastic Sticky Disposable Place Mats
Great for finger foods! Stick a disposable mat in your day bag for a quick snack by the pool! Just grab a few pieces of fresh fruit and let your little one enjoy without the worry about germs or cleaning a mess. 
 
Portable Stroller Fan
Especially if you are cruising to the Caribbean the heat can zonk out your little ones quickly! Attaching the stroller fan to a shaded lawn chair is a great place for baby to stay cool and take a little nap. I love attaching my stroller fan to the strap of my Ergo as well. It is just so handy to ensure babies stay extra cool in the humid weather. 

Not Needed
High Chairs, Cribs and Bedding. Those can be provided to you by the cruise line. Ask your travel agent to assist you in having these added to your reservation so that they will be waiting for you when you arrive! 

Extra Tips - For Before You Book!

How old is baby?
There is a minimum age for babies to travel on cruise ships. The Majority have a 6 month age minimum to sail.

Book Early!
For best staterooms availability and pricing. Prices sometimes drop with the cruise line. SunshineDestinations.com will automatically apply the lowest rate to your reservation (as long as it is before final payment). So if there is not a "Kids Sail Free" promotion when you booked you might still qualify for one later on. Having more time before your sailing gives you more of an opportunity to grab a lower price later. 

Make sure you know what type of stateroom you are getting.
Some of the older ships do not come with a small refrigerator or a bath tub. Some ships have staterooms that cannot accommodate a crib. Be sure that yours can!

Find out what is available for baby.
The majority of cruise lines do not allow children to swim in the pool when they are not potty trained (not even with a swim diaper). However, some do have lovely splash areas for babies and toddlers. If you would be interested in a baby sitting or a nursery for your baby so that you can have some adult time make sure that your ship does have this option. They are not always cruise line wide and can depend on ship.