It's standard practice for cruise ships to offer extensive kids programs, but often the age for participation starts at three years old. Some cruise lines, however, are making special efforts with the younger set.
Cruise lines constantly change their programs and offerings, so consider this a "snapshot" of what a family with a baby or toddler might expect - and always check the cruise line web site for the latest updates!
Royal Caribbean International: Snapshot
This major cruise line has plenty of activities that families can enjoy together: family discos, FlowRider surf simulatores, game shows, bingo, etc. RCI also has extensive supervised kids programs for several age groups, starting with Aquanauts for ages three to five, and continuing up to two teen age-groups.
And for babies and toddlers, RCI has the following:
Programs for Parent and Tot
- Royal Babies - ages 6 to 18 months:
45-minute playgroups, developed by experts at Fisher-Price (a major manufacturer of preschool toys and gear). Activities are hosted by trained staff, and a parent or caregiver must accompany the child. Sample activities: Baby Gymnastics, I Love Animals playgroup.
- Royal Tots - ages 18 to 36 months:
Similar set-up; parents and tots take part in playgroup sessions designed around Fisher Price developmental toys.
- Fisher-Price Lending Program:
families can borrow from a collection of developmental toys for ages 6 to 36 months.
- Stroller Time: Parent and baby-in-stroller can have some dedicated time on the jogging track.
- Babies 2 Go:
This service provides organic baby food, diapers, wipes, and other supplies, ready in the cabin when the family arrives.
- Bedtime stories in the Adventure Family Library.
Older kids, meanwhile, can take part in many supervised programs on Royal Caribbean ships.
Adventure Ocean Kids Clubs:
- Aquanauts for ages 3 to 5 : includes Adventure Science; Adventure Art by Crayola; Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway; Sail Into Storytime; general fun such as ice cream party, pirate night, talent show, etc.
- Explorers, ages 6 to 8: includes Adventure Science; Adventure Art by Crayola; Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway; general fun such as Pirate Night, ice-cream party, bingo, etc. Also: island activities when the ship's itinerary includes stops at CocoCay or Labadee (RCI's private beaches.) Sample activities: sand castle buildings, games, Fisher Price jeeps....
- Voyagers, ages 9 to 11: includes Adventure Science; Adventure Art by Crayola; Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway; general fun such as Reggae Beach Party, Backstage Tour, sports tournaments. Also: island activities when the ship's itinerary includes stops at CocoCay or Labadee.
For Teens:
- Ages 12 - 14: unstructured activities; teens can come or go, or just hang out in the teen-only lounge with trained staff. Theme nights, improv games, FlowRider learn-to-surf, Scratch DJ Academy, open mic, ice-skating, teen casino, and more.
- Ages 15 - 17 : similar to above
Remember, this is a "snapshot" of programs offered, and programs change over time! Check the Royal Caribbean International cruise line web site for the latest.
Babies/Toddlers - Other Cruise Lines:
Disney Cruises: For nursery-type services, where parents leave the baby or toddler for care, check out Disney Cruise Line, where Flounder's Reef Nursery cares for ages 12 weeks to three years (for an extra fee.)
Carnival Cruise Line:: Camp Carnival has a Toddlers age group from 2 to 5; and staff will change diapers (which parents must supply.) Also, baby-sitting -- within camp Carnival, not in cabins-- is offered at night from 10 p.m. til 3 a.m., and babies can come; babysitting, for babies, is available at some other times, too, Also for the diaper crowd: parents with Under 2's can come to Family Play times at no charge.
*Always check for updates!
