The short answer: most cruise lines accept babies from 6 months, and from 12 months on transatlantic crossings and some sailings with several sea days in a row. Children in nappies usually cannot use the normal pools, and kids' clubs often start at 3 years. Book a cot when you book the cabin, and choose a short itinerary with few sea days.
Minimum age
| Type of sailing | Usual minimum age |
|---|---|
| Most cruises | 6 months on the day of departure (for example MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises) |
| Transatlantic crossings and long voyages | 12 months (Costa, for example, for cruises of 15 days or longer) |
| Several sea days in a row | Often 12 months on lines with this rule |
The rule exists because a ship's medical centre is not a children's hospital. Check the exact rule for your line and sailing: it is applied strictly at check-in.
Pools and kids' clubs
- Pools: children in nappies, including swim nappies, are usually not allowed in the normal pools. Some ships have a splash area for the youngest — check the deck plan.
- Kids' clubs usually start at 3 years, and some require the child to be toilet-trained. For younger children, some lines have a play room where a parent stays with the child.
- Babysitting is offered on some ships, not all, and is usually paid. Ask before you book if it matters to you.
Cabin, cot and sleep
- Book a cot with the cabin. Ships have a limited number of cots.
- A balcony needs care: never leave a child alone there, and move chairs away from the railing.
- Quiet location: avoid cabins under the pool deck, the theatre or a night club — naps are easier.
- A compact folding pram is useful on board and in port; corridors and lifts are busy.
Food and practical things
- Bring the food your child is used to, especially formula and jars, for the whole trip. Ships may have some baby food on request, but not always your brand.
- Electric kettles are usually not allowed in cabins. The restaurants can give you hot water and help with warming milk.
- Nappies and wipes are sold on board, but not always in your size — bring enough.
- Documents: a baby needs their own passport or ID, as for any trip abroad.
- Travel insurance with medical cover for the child too. Medical care on board is usually charged separately.
Which itinerary works
With a small child, short sailings with a port almost every day and few sea days work best. Ports where you can walk from the ship into town save you from buses and tenders. A departure port you can reach without flying — for example from Rotterdam — makes the start and the end of the trip much easier. For older children, read our guide to cruising with family.
Common questions
From what age can a baby go on a cruise?
Usually from 6 months on the day of departure. For transatlantic crossings, long voyages and some sailings with several sea days in a row, the minimum is often 12 months.
Can my toddler use the pool?
Not if they wear nappies — on most ships that is not allowed in the normal pools, even with swim nappies. Some ships have a special splash area for small children.
From what age can my child go to the kids' club?
Usually from 3 years, and some clubs require the child to be toilet-trained. For younger children some lines have play rooms where a parent stays.
Can I cruise while pregnant?
Usually only in the first part of the pregnancy. MSC Cruises, for example, does not accept guests who will be more than 23 weeks and 6 days pregnant at any time during the cruise. Check the rule of your line.
How the club fits in
For any sailing, the club's familiar ways of paying apply: the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or 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 in the club's search. More about booking with points.
General information based on the published policies of cruise lines, such as MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises; rules differ by line and sailing and can change, so check the conditions for your cruise. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.