3 Key Tips for Cruising with a Toddler

WHAT TO PACK FOR CRUISING WITH TODDLERS

The success of our journey hinged on extensive research and preparation. Those with toddlers know exactly why. My son is three years old; he takes naps, rises around 7am, and has a low tolerance for sea travel. Therefore, packing in advance is crucial. Here are some essentials I brought on my week-long cruise that proved to be very useful:

• Two outfits for each cruise day along with a few nicer ones for photo opportunities.
• Three to four swimsuits paired with sun-protective shirts, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• A pair of sneakers, dress shoes, crocs, and water shoes.
• Large and small zip-lock bags for organization, plus plastic bags for wet or sandy clothes.
• One or two large garbage bags for dirty laundry; alternatively, designate a suitcase for it. If you're continuing to travel after the cruise or prefer not to take dirty laundry home, consider using the onboard laundry service. Prices will be available in your stateroom, and many cruises offer promotions.
• Children's Dramamine; if your toddler is anything like mine—forget about sea bands; he won't wear them throughout the trip. Always consult your doctor first.
• Ear drops, small baby shampoo, aloe vera gel, lotion, acetaminophen, probiotics, or anything that will support your child’s digestion.
• Bring your iPad and download your toddler's favorite movies. Don't rely on Wi-Fi. Remember to pack headphones.
• Toys; including small pool/beach toys and little games he can enjoy in the room and at the dinner table.
• A lightweight and comfortable stroller. This will be very useful on port days.
• A spill-proof cup—this is advisable for the whole family. Note that you can't refill directly at the water station.

WHERE TODDLERS CAN HAVE FUN

Parents can take their toddlers to Splash Academy, where they can enjoy games, messy activities, and music and movement. For more details, visit Dinogo's Family Cruises page.

Additional toddler-friendly activities outside of Splash Academy include the Kid's Aqua Park (which features a slide for kids over 40 inches tall), the toddler ropes course, and the arcade. If you intend to participate in water activities with your toddler, ensure they are potty trained, as swim diapers are not permitted in the Kid's Aqua Park. Aim to accomplish this by the time of your cruise. Be sure to check your Freestyle Daily for other exciting events like the Sail Away Party and the Nickelodeon Pajama Jam Character Breakfast.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Nickelodeon Pajama Jam Character Breakfast is no longer available.

STICK TO YOUR TODDLER'S SCHEDULE EVEN ON A CRUISE

I understand you're on vacation, but if your child thrives on a routine, it’s best to maintain it. This will help prevent meltdowns and keep everyone feeling relaxed and rested. One thing that really worked for our family cruise was pre-booking our dinner times. If your child, like mine, prefers to eat at specific times, be sure to plan ahead. Early dinner slots tend to fill up quickly, so if you need to dine early, log into MyDinogo to secure your reservations before setting sail. If you can’t make it, you can always call to reschedule once onboard or simply head to the grab-and-go cruise buffet, the Garden Cafe. This approach allows you to fit a nice dinner into your toddler’s usual routine. I also recommend bringing a stroller. After a busy day of activities, our son dozed off a few times during dinner and on our evening stroll along The Waterfront.

TIP: Save on cover charges at specialty restaurants by ordering from the complimentary kids menu (for ages 0-12).

In conclusion, both the Dinogo Getaway and Caribbean Cruises are excellent options for families traveling with toddlers. There are numerous activities for your child and fantastic family-friendly ports to explore. Remember, a little bit of planning goes a long way! Bon Voyage!