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Children and Cruise Ships: What You Need to Know
By Sheree Zielke
Cruising with children on today's modern ships is a fairytale come true, for both children and their adult guardians. The majority of cruise lines offer extensive children's programs, allowing mom and dad, or grandma and grandpa, time for themselves. But some cruise lines are very specific as to when, and what age a child must be, to travel on its ships.
Cruise line management is aware that more children are sailing these days and have made preparations for them. Many cruise lines have set aside special areas just for kids, similar to daycares, complete with climbing toys, a tiny kiddy pool and a large playroom filled with craft supplies, toys and games. Some offer video game systems and large arcade games, too.
Special cruise staffers (youth coordinators) are hired specifically for their ability to be with children. Like camp counselors, these kid coaches are gregarious and well-liked by the children left in their charge. Children are encouraged by staffers to take part in games and art projects. In some cases, they may partake in an entire theme, like pirates or medieval fantasies, complete with hats, face-paint, music and props.
Parents and grandparents will be pleased to note, that like a quality daycare, all security precautions are taken; no child is ever released to anyone but the guardian. In fact, many cruise lines offer a pager or walkie-talkie system so that no child is far from parental care.
When choosing a cruise ship, check what the median age of the passengers is because fewer children's programs will be available, if at all, on a ship catering to a majority of older travelers.
It's generally accepted that the Disney ships, like the "Mouse," offer the epitome in children's programs; that makes sense since Disney is a giant in the child-entertaining business.
Princess ships also have exemplary children's programs, especially on their longer cruises. But kids' programs vary widely from ship to ship, even within the same cruise line, so do your research, before booking your cruise.
Babysitter services are generally available onboard most cruise ships, for a fee; just check with your travel agent or study your cruise ship's web site before you book. But be aware that not all ships, like those in the Norwegian line, offer babysitting.
Here's a list of the cruise lines that regularly offer children's programs and childcare while at sea:
*CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE offers its Camp Carnival program for children ages 2 and up.
*CELEBRITY CRUISES has its X-Club for all ages of children, which are separated into groups with charming titles like Ship Mates and Celebrity Cadets.
*COSTA CRUISES offers the Costa Kids Program for children ages 3 and up.
*CRYSTAL CRUISES doesn't always offer children's programs, but when they do the service is unparalleled. Ask if their Junior Activities programs are running before choosing this line. The ships' Fantasia playrooms may be available, though.
*DISNEY CRUISE LINE is a master when it comes to kids' activities. Expect to see a mascot or two when you board this boat. The line offers its Oceaneer Club for kids aged 3 and up. Once on board, kids can join the Castaway Club, which provides benefits for all future sailings with the Disney line. Try MouseSavers.com for useful tips and discount advice.
*HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE LINE, while being more of an older folks ship, still has its Club HAL for children aged 3 and up.
*NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE offers its Kids Crew to young passengers aged 2 and older. This line has a charming kids' pool, water slide and a very attractive kids' play area filled with everything from computers to toddler toys.
*PRINCESS CRUISES invites children aged 3 and up to its Fun Zone which includes a craft area, small pool and climbing toys.
*ROYAL CARIBBEAN is also a very family-friendly cruise line which offers a variety of programs for children including its Fisher Price program for children as young as 6 months. The ship's Adventure Ocean program caters to children 3 years old and up.
*Cruise lines like SILVERSEA CRUISES are very adult-oriented and highly sophisticated; this cruise line prides itself on what its ships have to offer to the wealthy adult, more so than the family with children.
***Other Things to Note About Cruising With Children***
Parents should expect to be "beeped" when leaving very young children (those still in diapers) in kids' programs; most cruise staff will not change diapers. A parent will be paged and alerted that their child needs a change.
As to food, all cruise lines provide so many types of foods that even the fussiest eater will be intrigued. Some ships, like the Crystal ships, offer a special Junior Cruisers menu. And most ships' poolside grills offer kids' favorites: hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers, ice cream and more. You may need to budget a little extra for ice cream, as some ships like the Grand Princess, charge extra for ice cream sundaes.
Seasickness can be an issue, but nature seems to have spared babies and very young children from this horrible experience; probably because of all that time tossing about in the womb. However, be prepared and check with your medical provider as to the best types of anti-seasickness medication to bring along for your child. Remember, the drugs must be given before seasickness symptoms occur, or they are useless.
Before planning to go onboard with a child, be sure to find out if the cruise line you are interested in, actually accepts children. The Cunard line is very firm and does not allow infants on board during some of its voyages like those cruises to Tahiti. And the line only accepts infants over the age of 6 months on certain voyages like those to Alaska and Mexico. Check each ship's web site to be sure.
While you are checking cruise ship web sites, you just might find that your ship is offering a "Kids Travel FREE" promotion. Now wouldn't that be the best way of all of cruising with your child?