Episode #13: Cruising With Kids: Family Cruise Tips, Cabin Hacks & What We Learned Sailing With Little Ones
We’ve cruised with our kids on Carnival and Royal Caribbean, and we’re planning a Disney cruise next year — I can say that between the two, royal Caribbean was my favorite and I feel like they do a really good job all around for the cost. I’ve always wanted to do a Disney cruise and we are finally going to experience it next summer so I cant wait to share all about that but I also worry that it may ruin me for all other cruise lines moving forward since I hear they are so fantastic. But, today I’m sharing:
How to pick the right ship + itinerary
Kid-friendly cruise tips
How to choose the right cabin
What to pack
How to survive germs, motion sickness, and unexpected moments
And how we cruised with over 20 family members over Thanksgiving!
If you're considering a cruise for your family — or you already love cruising and want to up your game — this episode has you covered. 🌊👨👩👧👦✨
🚢 Why Cruises Are Amazing for Families
All-in-one vacation: food, lodging, entertainment, activities
Kids clubs + childcare options
Huge value — especially for big families
No airports between destinations
Flexible — rest days + adventure days
Easy to travel with extended family
BUT… cruising with kids requires strategy — and today I’ll share everything I’ve learned.
🛳️ Choosing the Right Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
✅ Great ships + tons of kid amenities
✅ Perfect for active kids
🎭 Big shows, ice skating, FlowRider, slides
👶 Solid childcare + kids clubs
Carnival
✅ Budget-friendly but not quite as nice
✅ Fun atmosphere/ more party like
🎉 Good for families who want casual + energetic
Disney Cruise (planning for next year!)
🎬 Best entertainment at sea
👶 Nursery + kids club excellence
💰 Pricier — but the “Disney pixie dust” is real
Tip: Pick the cruise line that matches your family’s vibe — active, laid-back, character-loving, or budget-conscious.
🌎 Pick the Right Itinerary
Shorter itineraries = easier with littles
Caribbean & Mexico = great starter cruise
Consider locations and where you’re cruising out of. You may want a destination you can drive to that’s closer to home, or if you’re ok flying, then you have more options.
Tip: Departure port matters — flying into Miami vs Galveston vs LA changes cost & convenience.
Warm weather
Beaches + easy excursions
Smooth sailing generally
Off peak/ during school time you can get some great deal.
Our Thanksgiving Cruise
Royal Caribbean, out of Galveston, TX
Ports: Cozumel + Costa Maya, Mexico
20+ family members (yes, it was as fun + chaotic as it sounds 😂)
🛏️ Choosing the Right Cabin
Interior Room
Budget-friendly
Great if you're barely in your room
Safe for toddlers — no balcony worries
I prefer interior when kids are younger
(blackout = kids sleep better!)
Balcony Room
Beautiful views
Lovely adult escape for early mornings / late nights
BUT: may cause anxiety with young climbers
Bunk Beds Tip: Cabins often have beds that pull down from the ceiling — super fun, but keep an eye on toddlers.
Pro Tip: Put littles in the lower bunks + use a portable inflatable bumpers/camping mattress.
⚓ Onboard Tips
Maximize Kids Clubs — but manage expectations
Best if kids have a buddy or sibling
My older kids preferred running around with cousins
Younger kids enjoyed it, but we didn’t force it
Shows & Entertainment
Shows are SO good
BUT after formal dining, younger kids may not want to sit again
Pick + choose nights to avoid sensory overload
Grab dessert and watch from the back for easy exits 😎
Meals
Don't miss the main dining room — kids can order steak daily 😂
Ask for the kids menu + substitutions
Buffet for flexible days or breakfast
💊 Sick Kids & Reality Moments
We had FALL GERMS hit mid-cruise 😬
1 kid sick the entire cruise but rallied for some fun
THANK GOODNESS for our travel medicine kit
What I packed:
meds
thermometer
electrolyte packets
sick bags
sanitizing wipes
And we still made memories:
Costa Maya beach day
Cozumel — swimming with dolphins 🐬
Cruising isn’t always perfect — but prepared parents = happy trip.
🌊 Motion Sickness Tips
Last night = rocky seas!
What helps:
Behind-the-ear patches
Seabands (wrist pressure bands)
ReliefBand — my favorite 🙌
Pricey but SO worth it if prone to motion sickness
Bonus Tip: Start meds before you feel sick.
🧳 What to Pack for a Cruise With Kids
✅ Magnetic hooks (walls are metal!) – hang bags/swimsuits
✅ Black shower curtain — divide sleeping area for naps/sleep
✅ Inflatable camping mattress (toddlers)
✅ Collapsible laundry hamper
✅ Portable clothesline for wet swimsuits
✅ Ziplock bags / small tupperware for snacks
✅ Lanyards for cruise cards
✅ Night light (cabin = DARK)
✅ Travel medicine kit
✅ Refillable water bottles
✅ Sunscreen + aloe
Mom Hack: Cruise cabins are small — anything that organizes space = lifesaver. I love the over the door shoe organizers to keep things off the floor and organized
🏖️ Excursions With Kids
✅ Pick kid-friendly excursions/ look at age limits
✅ Short travel time from port
✅ Water/beach days are easy wins
✅ Book early — popular ones sell out
✅ ALWAYS pack snacks, water, backup clothes
🍽️ Holiday Cruising
Thanksgiving at sea:
No cooking ✔️
No cleaning ✔️
Buffet & dining room options
Felt different but so fun to be together
10/10 would holiday-cruise again!
🔁 When Cruising Might NOT Work
Kids get overstimulated easily
Babies needing long naps
Motion-sickness-prone families (prepare accordingly)
If parents get stressed in confined spaces
But with planning + flexibility, cruising can be magical.
