How to Take Your Child on a Cruise

The whole family on a large ship for several days at a time -- what could possibly go wrong? If you don't plan for a cruise with kids, you could find out just how many headaches you can experience in one vacation. A successful family cruise starts long before you step on the ship. Everything from the cruise line and timing to how you prep your child affects the outcome. While a family cruise disaster may someday make a funny story, you'll enjoy the trip now -- and get your money's worth for the vacation -- if you plan well.

Things You'll Need

  • Books
  • Puzzles
  • Toys
  • Camera
  • Journal

Instructions

    • 1

      Narrow the cruise options to family-friendly ships that offer plenty of activities for your child. Look for a child care option on board if you want to enjoy an adults-only night on the trip. The Disney Cruise line is an obvious choice for families, but Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean also have ships that are child friendly, according to "Parenting." Even cruises targeted at families and kids often include adult-only activities, giving you the best of both worlds.

    • 2

      Review each potential cruise line's policies on children to ensure your child is old enough to cruise. Check the details of the child care facility. Some have age restrictions. If you have an older child, she may fall outside the age range. Call the cruise line if you have any questions about the specific policies or amenities. A travel agent is another resource for choosing a child-friendly cruise.

    • 3

      Ask your kids for their input. Show them the amenities and activities on each ship that you've identified as a potential vacation spot. Hearing what they might like to do makes the getaway more appealing to the whole family.

    • 4

      Schedule the cruise for a quiet time. Avoid spring break or the end of the school year when you may run into people on senior trips, or you may experience more of a party scene than you want your child to see.

    • 5

      Plan the activities you want to do while on the cruise and on land during the stops. Choose a mix of family activities and adults-only activities if you feel comfortable leaving your child with the ship's day care. Leave time for unscheduled play. Splash with your child in the ship's pool, for example.

    • 6

      Pack activities for the downtime you spend in your cabin. Include books, puzzles and a few toys to pass the time. A camera for your child gives him a chance to capture the trip from his vantage point. Pack him a journal so he can write down all of the trip details he wants to remember.

    • 7

      Discuss cruise behavior and expectations before you board the ship. Let your child know the ship is huge with lots of people, so she needs to stay with you at all times.

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