We cruise A LOT, and sometimes cruise with other families. We don’t have kids of our own, so I’ve asked my dearest friend and fellow cruise mate Tabitha, who has been cruising with her kids since they were wee toddlers, to share what you need to know about cruising with kids. This is the second in a three part series that focuses on the muster drill, food and dining options, bathrooms, and excursions. The other two parts that focus on pre-cruise planning of accommodations and what to expect with the boarding process, sea days and kids camp are linked here as well. I’m going to let Tabitha take over from here…
Cruising is an easy way to vacation with kids. You get on the ship, you unpack once and settle in. No rental cars, car seats, food searches or forced itineraries. The crew takes care of you and life is easy. Here’s what you need to know about the mandatory muster drill, food and dining options, the bathroom situation, and how to best select and prepare for port excursions, including the buses during excursions.
Muster Drill
One of the first things you’ll do before pulling out of port is a mandatory muster drill. You are assigned an area to gather for a safety presentation, based on your room location. This is usually a 20-30 minute presentation and little ones don’t always cooperate well during this event. Bring something quiet for them to do.
Food and Dining Options
Breakfast is easy for kids. Most are happy with cereal or pancakes or eggs and fruit. All of those foods are available in the main cafeteria. Lunch in the cafeteria might be a little trickier while they serve a lot of salads and sliced meats. Pizza and burgers are available outside of the cafeteria. For dinner, the dining rooms offer a few kid friendly options but they might not always post it on their menu. If the kids don’t enjoy the entertainment and food in the dining room they can always join the kids camp and eat dinner with friends.
Pizza and frozen yogurt are available 24 hours a day on most ships. The lido deck will often host a family movie and serve popcorn in the evenings. If you think you’ll burn out on after-dinner pizza or have toddler, I suggest packing some pantry snacks to keep in your room. The gift shop will have a few simple options but it closes in the evening. I like to pack crackers, goldfish, Pringles, pretzels and beef jerky. Most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited quantity of beverages. Check their beverage policy. I typically pack a box of Capri Suns and pre-order a case of bottled water to our room. Trying to carry a case of water on the ship, along with kids (and their stuff) isn’t fun. Convenience is worth a very small premium.
Bathrooms
Don’t worry. There are restrooms all over the ship. Some cruise lines will even post restroom accessibility information along with their excursion descriptions. Some outdoor excursions don’t have easily accessible bathrooms and may require a bit of a hike.
Port Excursions
Of course most excursions will have age restrictions. When shopping excursions be sure to query the options appropriate for your age groups. Beaches are always easy and fun family excursions. Anywhere a pool is available or wildlife, also easy enjoyment.
Trains are a family favorite, comfortable and scenic. Bigger kids really enjoy dolphin encounters or swims. Teenagers might prefer the adventure excursions. Be sure to check if lunch is served during excursion and pack snacks and water accordingly.
Buses
Buses are a nice air conditioned/heated option for city tours and kids. The kids may not care about the port city’s history but it beats walking around in the heat of a Caribbean island or cold mountainous terrain. Beware, typically in island countries, roads are tight and drivers not so cautious.
Previous: Planning, Accommodations, and Boarding
Next: Sea Days and Kids Camp
More Cruise Tips, Packing Lists, and Past Cruise Adventures:
First 24 Hours on a Cruise Ship: Do’s and Don’ts
Cruise Tips: Planning and Packing
My Cruise Kit: The Practical & the Ridiculous
A Cruise Must: Chef’s Table on Carnival Cruises
Cruise Packing Lists: Backpack & Rolling Suitcase Packing Checklists
Carry-On Suitcase Packing List (Packing Checklist for the Overhead Bin)
Carry-On Bag Packing List (Packing Checklist for Under the Seat)
Read about our Mediterranean cruise here and British Isles cruise here and Alaskan Cruise here.
Don’t forget a corkscrew (read about my TSA-compliant Carry-On Corkscrew here)!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Red Shoes. Red Wine. will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.