Cruising With a Toddler: A Real-Life Guide from a Mom Who’s Done It 6 Times

If you had told me a year ago that my 15-month-old would already have been on six cruises, I probably would've laughed. I used to think traveling with a toddler meant chaos, stress, and a suitcase full of "just in case" scenarios.

But after cruising with our daughter on multiple ships, I can honestly say this: cruising has been the easiest, most enjoyable way we've ever traveled as a family.

And yes… we've done it in real life, with real naps, real meltdowns, real strollers, and real expectations.

So if you're a parent wondering, "Is cruising with a toddler actually a good idea?" this is for you.

Why Cruises Work So Well for Families with Toddlers

The biggest reason cruising works so well with little ones is simple: everything is contained.

When we travel on land, it usually means packing and unpacking multiple times, renting cars, finding restaurants, navigating new cities, and constant logistics.

On a cruise? You unpack once. Your "hotel" moves with you. Food is always available. Entertainment is built in. And everything is within walking distance. With a toddler, that level of simplicity is priceless!

What Actually Matters When Cruising with a Toddler

After six cruises, here's what I've learned that really makes or breaks the experience:

1. A Contained Environment

Cruise ships are like floating resorts. There's a huge sense of security knowing your child can't wander far, and everything you need is right there.

2. Flexible Dining

This is huge. On cruises, you can:

• Eat early
• Eat late
• Grab snacks anytime
• Order room service

Which means no one is melting down because the restaurant has a 45-minute wait.

Pro tip: If your child is an early-riser, you can order room service the night before for an early breakfast delivered to your stateroom... and coffee, definitely coffee.

3. Built-In Entertainment

You don't have to "plan fun." It's already there:

• Splash pads
• Shows
• Music
• Characters (on Disney)
• Parades
• Kids spaces

Some days we just wandered and let the ship entertain us.

Pro tip: Be sure to check your cruise planner daily for up-to-date times for shows, activities and entertainment throughout the day.

4. Accommodating Staff

One of the most underrated parts of cruising with kids is how kind and helpful the staff are. High chairs, extra napkins, warm food, smiles, patience... it makes such a difference.

Pro tip: If it's not on the menu, ask! We've gotten purees, plates of avocado, milk cartons and other things our daughter loves, just by asking. Once the waitstaff knows your preferences, they'll often have it waiting for you before you even ask.

The Cruise Line We've Loved Most with a Toddler: Royal Caribbean

All six of our cruises so far have been with Royal Caribbean, and they've been incredible for our family. We've sailed on:

• Symphony of the Seas
• Star of the Seas (x3)
• Icon of the Seas
• Odyssey of the Seas

Pro tip: If your sailing visits Perfect Day at CocoCay, splurging on day passes to the Coco Beach Club is well worth the price. Young kids are free, it's quieter, you're not fighting for beach chairs and umbrellas, the pool is heated, and the most amazing lunch is included!

What makes Royal Caribbean so great for toddlers and kids of all ages?

• Splash pads
• Big open spaces for stroller walks
• Family-friendly shows
• Tons of casual dining
• Newer ships designed like neighborhoods
• Many sailings offer Kids Sail Free promotion
• Award-winning Adventure Ocean kids' club

It never felt overwhelming. It felt easy, which is exactly what you want with a toddler.

Pro tip: Be prepared - maritime law prohibits kids in diapers from swimming in the pools on cruise ships. Be sure to visit splash pads onboard, beaches in ports-of-call and pools at private islands to get your water time in.

Our Next Adventure: Disney Cruise Line

Our next cruise will be on Disney Treasure, and it'll be our family's first Disney cruise. We're especially excited for:

• Characters everywhere
• Disney-level service
• The kids clubs
• Family-focused entertainment
• A stop at Castaway Cay

Disney is known for making magic for kids and parents, so we're expecting a totally different, but equally amazing, experience.

My Biggest Fear (and Probably Yours Too): Getting Sick

Before our first cruise, my biggest concern was, "what if she gets sick?" And honestly, that fear is valid. You're in a shared space with a lot of people. But here's what helped:

• We washed hands constantly and used sanitizer
• We wiped everything down - our stateroom when we first got there, highchairs before each use, tables, and surfaces we knew she was going to touch, play with or lick (IYKYK)
• Avoided super crowded indoor spaces when needed
• And just stayed aware

We also packed a mini-pharmacy for "just in case" (thermometer, Motrin/Tylenol, boogie wipes, etc.)

And in six cruises? We've been incredibly lucky and had no major issues.

Is it risk-free? No. Is it riskier than daycare, playgroups, or everyday life? Also no.

Real-Life Tips from a Mom Who's Actually Done It

Here are the things that helped us the most:

• Bring a stroller: Even if your toddler walks, you'll want it for long ship walks, naps, ports, evenings
• Don't overplan: Pick one or two main activities per day. Everything else is a bonus.
• Choose the right cabin location: Midship and near elevators makes life easier. Try to avoid rooms underneath or next to a high-traffic public areas.
• Embrace the schedule: Nap time? Go back to the room. Early dinner? Perfect. Bedtime show? Skip it.
• An over-the-door shoe holder helped to keep our daughter's clothes, shoes and accessories organized, and it was a huge space saver!
• When disposing of diapers in your room, doggy poop bags made clean-up easy and helped to limit the smell.
• If you're flying to your port, packing diapers, wipes, formula, and snacks could put you over the airline's weight limit. We did a grocery store order right to our pre-cruise hotel for all the essentials as soon as we arrived.
• Leave the carseat at home! Pick a pre-cruise hotel at the airport (the Hyatt at MCO is great!) so you can take the cruise line's motorcoach transfer direclty to the port. Opt for excursions that offer transportation or schedule a car service with a carseat.

Cruising works because it adapts to your child, not the other way around.

Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest ones we see:

• Booking the wrong ship (or cruise line) for your family
• Picking a bad cabin location
• Trying to do too much
• Not understanding what's included
• Booking without expert help

Which leads me to the part I obviously believe in deeply...

Final Thoughts (From One Parent to Another)

Cruising with a toddler doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, it can be the easiest vacation you'll ever take with your kids. If you're considering it and want help choosing the right cruise line, the right ship, the right itinerary, the right cabin, let us help!

This is exactly what we do every day at Embark Cruises — and it's not just professional for us, it's personal.

We've lived it. And we'd love to help you love it too.