The Best Toddler-Friendly Cruise Lines and Destinations
The TLDR; disney is fantastic, royal caribbean is budget-friendly
Many cruise lines have upped their game, offering a wide range of activities, amenities, and family-friendly features designed with young children in mind. From interactive play areas to toddler-friendly shore excursions, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re planning your first cruise with a little one or are a seasoned pro looking for new destinations, here’s a roundup of the best toddler-friendly cruise lines and destinations to make your next family getaway smooth sailing.
1. Disney Cruise Line – Magic on the High Seas
If there’s one cruise line that nails family fun, it’s Disney. Disney Cruise Line goes above and beyond to cater to kids of all ages, including toddlers. With beloved characters on board, interactive play areas, and toddler-friendly activities, Disney ships are basically a dream come true for young children.
Why it’s great for toddlers:
Character meet-and-greets: Your little one can hug their favorite Disney characters without long lines.
“It’s a Small World” Nursery: A dedicated space for toddlers where they can nap or play while parents enjoy some alone time.
Toddler-friendly pool areas: The splash zones are perfect for little ones who aren’t ready for full-sized pools.
Best destinations:
Caribbean and Bahamas: Enjoy Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, with sandy beaches and a safe environment perfect for young children.
Alaska: Experience the natural beauty of Alaska with fun, toddler-friendly excursions like wildlife tours and scenic train rides.
2. Royal Caribbean – Adventure for the Whole Family
Royal Caribbean is another top choice for families with toddlers, offering a mix of high-energy activities and relaxation for parents. The ships are equipped with fantastic facilities, from the Adventure Ocean program that provides supervised activities for toddlers, to splash pads and mini water parks designed just for them.
Why it’s great for toddlers:
Adventure Ocean: A dedicated play area for toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years, with plenty of toys and activities.
Splashaway Bay: A water play area designed for kids, complete with fountains, slides, and shallow pools.
Babysitting services: Royal Caribbean offers in-room babysitting so parents can enjoy a bit of downtime.
Best destinations:
Caribbean: With kid-friendly beaches and excursions like animal encounters, the Caribbean is ideal for a low-stress, sunny vacation.
Mediterranean: If you're feeling adventurous, Mediterranean cruises offer a blend of historical sites and laid-back ports where families can relax.
3. Carnival Cruise Line – Fun and Affordable for Families
Carnival is known for being one of the most budget-friendly cruise lines, and their ships are great for families with toddlers. With a relaxed vibe, lots of dining options, and plenty of kid-centric activities, Carnival makes cruising with toddlers both fun and affordable.
Why it’s great for toddlers:
Camp Ocean: This kid’s program is divided into different age groups, with a dedicated space for 2-5 year-olds to play and do crafts.
Toddler splash zones: Carnival ships feature splash areas specifically for the littlest passengers, so they can enjoy water play safely.
Seuss at Sea: Dr. Seuss-themed activities like character parades, interactive storytime, and Seuss-inspired breakfasts.
Best destinations:
Mexico: Carnival offers plenty of short cruises to Mexico, with toddler-friendly shore excursions to beaches or parks.
Bahamas: The shallow, calm waters of the Bahamas make for a great toddler beach day.
4. Norwegian Cruise Line – Freestyle Fun for Families
Norwegian Cruise Line’s freestyle cruising concept offers flexibility, which is perfect for families with toddlers who need a little extra wiggle room in their schedule. Whether it’s dining options that don’t require set times or easy-to-navigate ships with plenty of open spaces for toddlers to explore, Norwegian makes cruising with little ones more relaxed.
Why it’s great for toddlers:
Guppies Program: Norwegian has a dedicated program for kids under 3, with parent-and-child playtime and fun activities like storytelling and arts and crafts.
Toddler splash areas: Special shallow splash zones let your toddler cool off safely.
Flexible dining options: You can eat when you want, perfect for families who need flexibility around naps and mealtimes.
Best destinations:
Hawaii: Norwegian’s Hawaiian cruises offer beautiful beach stops and easy, stroller-friendly excursions for families looking to explore the islands.
Bermuda: Bermuda is a quiet, laid-back destination with beautiful beaches and calm waters—perfect for young families.
5. MSC Cruises – Affordable European Adventure
If you’re looking for a cruise line that combines affordability with European destinations, MSC Cruises is a great option. Their family-friendly ships are designed with little ones in mind, offering fantastic facilities and activities for toddlers while keeping it affordable for families traveling on a budget.
Why it’s great for toddlers:
Mini Club: MSC offers supervised activities for kids as young as 1 year old, giving parents a chance to relax or explore the ship.
LEGO-themed play areas: Toddlers can immerse themselves in LEGO-themed playrooms, designed in partnership with the beloved toy brand.
Family cabins: Spacious family cabins provide plenty of room for little ones to nap, play, and sleep comfortably.
Best destinations:
Mediterranean: Visit iconic European cities like Rome and Barcelona, with plenty of kid-friendly excursions like park visits or easy sightseeing tours.
Northern Europe: MSC’s cruises to Norway and the Baltic regions offer breathtaking scenery with low-impact, toddler-friendly activities like fjord cruises and nature walks.
Tips for Cruising with Toddlers
Pack smart: Bring plenty of snacks, diapers, and your toddler’s favorite comfort items to make the cruise more comfortable.
Choose the right cabin: Family cabins or suites with extra space and a balcony can make a big difference in keeping your toddler happy.
Plan for downtime: Cruises are packed with activities, but make sure to schedule some quiet time for naps or just relaxing by the pool.
Research shore excursions: Look for toddler-friendly shore excursions like animal encounters, short beach trips, or scenic tours that are gentle on little legs.
Peace & Love,
Cruising with toddlers doesn’t have to be stressful—in fact, it can be one of the easiest ways to enjoy a family vacation, thanks to the built-in activities and conveniences many cruise lines offer. Whether you’re chasing Disney magic or relaxing in the Mediterranean, these toddler-friendly cruise lines and destinations are sure to make your next family trip memorable for everyone.
Happy cruising!
