In short
Grandparents can take grandchildren on a cruise without the parents, but they need extra papers: the child's own passport or ID card and a signed consent letter from the parents. Kids' clubs usually start at 3 years. Book in the school holidays and choose connecting cabins or a family cabin.
Why a cruise works well with grandchildren
- One base for the whole trip. You unpack once, and the children know where everything is.
- Food at any time. The buffet is open for long hours — no searching for a child-friendly restaurant.
- Time for you too. In the kids' club the children play with others of their age while you have a coffee or a nap.
- Short distances. No long walks between hotels, stations and restaurants — useful if you prefer a calmer pace.
Which cabin to choose
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| One cabin for 3–4 | One grandchild, or two young children | Extra guests sleep on a sofa bed or a fold-down upper bed; the cabin gets small |
| Connecting cabins | Two or more grandchildren, especially older ones | Two cabins with a door between them — more room and two bathrooms; limited in number, book early |
| Family cabin or suite | A larger group | Not on every ship; check the deck plan |
On many lines, children must share a cabin with an adult who is responsible for them. With a balcony: never leave young children alone there. More tips in how to choose a cabin.
Kids' club and activities
- Age groups. Kids' clubs usually start at 3 years and are split into age groups, with a separate club for teenagers on many ships. Some require the child to be toilet-trained.
- Who may sign them in. On some lines, the adult who registers the child must be the parent or the person named as responsible at booking. Make sure your name is on the booking as the responsible adult.
- Pools. Children in nappies, including swim nappies, are usually not allowed in the normal pools.
- Babysitting is offered on some ships, not all, and is usually paid.
Travelling with a baby or toddler? Read cruising with a baby or toddler for minimum ages and practical tips.
Documents when the parents are not coming
This is the part that needs the most care. Border police and cruise lines check that a child is travelling with permission.
- The child's own passport or ID card. Every child needs their own travel document. For cruises that leave the EU, take a passport. See cruise documents and visas.
- A consent letter from the parents. The Dutch government has a standard form, "Toestemming reizen met minderjarige naar het buitenland", available in Dutch and English on rijksoverheid.nl. Both parents with parental authority sign it; attach a copy of their passports or ID cards.
- The cruise line's own requirements. Lines have their own rules. MSC, for example, asks for a signed authorisation letter from the absent parents when booking, with the name of the person in charge of the child. Some lines ask for a notarised form. Check this with the line before you book.
- Medical permission and insurance. Ask the parents for a short signed note that lets you agree to medical treatment, and make sure the child is covered by travel insurance with medical cover. Take the child's health insurance card.
- A different surname? If the child has another surname than you, take a copy of a document that shows the family link, such as a birth certificate extract.
When to go: school holidays
In the Netherlands, children of school age may only travel outside school holidays with permission from the school, which is rarely given for holidays. So plan around the school holidays. For the 2026–2027 school year:
| Holiday | Dates in the Netherlands | Cruise idea |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | 21 December 2026 – 3 January 2027, all regions | A festive week at sea — see Christmas and New Year cruises |
| Spring break | South: 15–19 February 2027; North and Middle: 22–26 February 2027 | A week of sun in the Canary Islands, or the carnival period |
| May holiday | 26–30 April 2027, all regions | A short cruise, or the start of the Mediterranean season |
| Summer | From 12, 19 or 26 July 2027, depending on the region | The fjords or the Mediterranean — book early, these weeks fill first |
Weekends before and after are free too. Belgium and other countries have different dates — check them for your grandchildren's school. For a first try, a short cruise of 2–4 nights works well.
Practical tips
- Agree on the rules with the parents before you go: bedtime, screens, sweets, swimming without an adult.
- Choose a route with ports close to the ship, so you can walk into town without buses or long tours.
- A card in their pocket. On the first day, agree on a meeting point on board and write your cabin number and phone number on a card in their pocket.
- Plan quiet time for yourself. A few hours in the kids' club each day keeps the trip pleasant for everyone.
Common questions
Can grandparents take grandchildren on a cruise without the parents?
Yes, on most lines. You need the child's own passport or ID card, a signed consent letter from the parents with copies of their ID, and whatever extra papers the cruise line asks for.
Which consent form do I need in the Netherlands?
The government form "Toestemming reizen met minderjarige naar het buitenland" on rijksoverheid.nl, in Dutch or English, signed by the parents with parental authority, with copies of their ID. Also check the cruise line's own form.
From what age can children go to the kids' club?
Usually from 3 years, in age groups. Some clubs require the child to be toilet-trained. Check the rules of your ship.
Can grandchildren share our cabin?
Yes, if the cabin is for three or four guests. With two or more grandchildren, connecting cabins give more room and a second bathroom.
When is the best time to cruise with grandchildren?
In the school holidays. Christmas and summer fill up first, so book early; the spring break and the May holiday are good for a shorter trip.
How the club fits in
Family sailings are booked like any other: with the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or with your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club: check the specific sailing and cabin types in the club's search. More about booking with points. See also cruising with family and cruising for travellers 60+.
General information, not legal advice; rules for minors differ per cruise line and country. Check the requirements of your cruise line and the countries on your route before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.