Tips For Cruising With Kids

A fun family cruise is one of the best choices for your next vacation. Why? Cruises offer all-in-one entertainment, dining, and adventure for every age group. But as any seasoned parent knows, planning a family cruise (or any vacation) takes more than just picking a ship and packing your bags especially when kids are involved. 

Here we’ll share some expert advice to make cruising with the little ones an enjoyable experience.

#1. Choose the Right Family-Friendly Cruise

Selecting the right cruise line can make or break your family vacation. Disney Cruise Line is an obvious favorite, but Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian also offer exceptional experiences for children, teens, and parents alike. Look for amenities such as kids’ clubs, water slides, and flexible dining options. And don’t forget to explore cabin configurations designed with families in mind—some ships offer adjoining rooms or sleeper sofas for extra space.

 #2. Pack Smart for Smooth Sailing

When cruising with babies or toddlers, packing smart is essential. Cruise ships rarely carry baby formula, diapers, or specialty snacks, so bring enough for the entire voyage. Also, be sure to pack a carry-on bag with swimwear, sunscreen, snacks, and entertainment for embarkation day as it can take a few hours before your checked bags arrive at your stateroom.

#3. Arrive Early with a Family-Friendly Pre-Cruise Hotel Package

Arriving the day before your cruise is one of the best ways to prevent travel mishaps from derailing your vacation. With kids in tow, flight delays or lost luggage can create unnecessary stress. That’s why Go Port’s Fly Snooze Cruise packages are ideal for families flying in for their Port Canaveral cruise. 

These packages include:

• A hotel stay at a family-friendly Port Canaveral-area hotel
• Shuttle transportation from your preferred airport (Orlando (MCO), Sanford (SFB) or Melbourne (MLB)) to your chosen hotel upon arrival
• Cruise transfer the next morning directly to your cruise terminal at Port Canaveral
• A return shuttle to your airport at the end of your cruise

With everything bundled together, there’s no need to coordinate multiple bookings or spend excessively on last-minute rideshares and hotel bookings. Plus, staying overnight gives your family time to rest before embarkation day.

If you’re driving to Port Canaveral for a cruise on Carnival Mardi Gras, Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas or Star of the Seas, our Snooze Park Cruise packages are tailor-made for your family. This all-in-one option includes:

• A pre-cruise hotel stay
• Secure cruise parking for the duration of your cruise
• Round-trip shuttle transportation to and from your cruise terminal

These packages are especially helpful for parents as there’s no need to find parking, juggle luggage, and wrangle kids in the hectic cruise port traffic. Instead, you can let our team handle the logistics so you can start your vacation on the right foot.

#4. Bring Entertainment for Downtime

While cruise ships offer non-stop action, having a few go-to items in your cabin for quiet time is a lifesaver. Glow sticks make great night lights, while travel games, coloring books, and a portable tablet can help wind things down before bedtime or during sea days.

#5. Plan Shore Excursions with Kids in Mind

Excursions can be a highlight of any cruise but they should be age-appropriate. Be sure to check the minimum age requirements, duration, and activity level before booking. Some families prefer to explore ports independently or enjoy on-board amenities instead of structured tours. Either way, having a game plan makes the day go more smoothly..

#6. Use Childcare Options to Take a Break

Most cruise lines offer kids’ clubs and teen lounges where children can enjoy supervised fun while parents relax. From treasure hunts to science experiments and movie nights, these clubs are a great way for kids to make friends and for you to enjoy a little adult time. Services for infants may be more limited, so be sure to research the options before you sail.

Why Go Port is the Ultimate Choice for Families Cruising from Port Canaveral

At Go Port, we’ve helped thousands of families simplify their cruise travel logistics so they can focus on making memories instead of managing their transportation needs. With our convenient and cost-effective Fly Snooze Cruise, Snooze Park Cruise, Cruise Transportation and Cruise Parking options, we take the stress out of cruise day especially for families with children.

Go Port takes care of all your pre- and post-cruise logistics so you can focus on fun! Let us be your go-to solution for your next family cruise from Port Canaveral. Book your package today and get ready to make lasting memories!