Cruising with a toddler can be such a fun experience for your family. With the right planning and preparation, Royal Caribbean offers a perfect blend of relaxation and fun for parents and little ones! From thoughtful onboard amenities to delicious dining options and exciting activities, there are so many ways to create lifelong memories with your kids.

If you’re planning on taking your toddler on a cruise, these tips for cruising with kids will help you make the most of your time at sea while keeping your family’s routine (and sanity!) intact.

1. Book a Balcony Room

If your budget allows, a balcony room on Royal Caribbean is one of the best decisions we made traveling with our toddler. Nap time becomes a breeze when your little one can rest inside the cabin while you enjoy some quiet time on the balcony.

Whether it’s soaking up the ocean views, reading a book, or sipping a coffee, the balcony offers a little sanctuary without sacrificing your toddler’s sleep schedule. If you have to go back to the room to take a little break and rest, you can still get some sunshine out on your own private deck. The extra space also helps avoid that cramped feeling, giving everyone room to relax.

Related: 6 Essential Tips for Flying with a Toddler

2. Go to Adventure Ocean on the First Day to Reserve your Times

If you’re planning to take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Adventure Ocean daycare program, make it a priority to register as soon as you board. This program offers a safe, engaging environment for little ones while giving parents some much-deserved downtime.

Where else can you vacation with kids and still get in a few date nights (or days)!? However, space is limited, and you’re only allocated a certain number of hours based on your ship and schedule.

Certain time slots, like evenings during dinner or showtimes, fill up fast, so act quickly.

Pro tip: If you need more hours than you’re initially assigned, you can sometimes call down to Adventure Ocean to see if there have been any cancellations or additional openings. It’s worth checking in throughout the trip!

3. Reserve Show Times or Specialty Dinners Before You Cruise

Royal Caribbean’s entertainment options are fantastic, and your toddler will likely enjoy the bright lights, music, and action-packed shows. To avoid the disappointment of sold-out performances or inconvenient times, book your show reservations online before your cruise. If you’re not able to book online, it may be because of the size of the ship and therefore not necessary!

While standby lines are available the night of the show, they’re not guaranteed, and juggling lines with a toddler isn’t always fun. By planning ahead, you can secure an early showtime that fits your family’s schedule, leaving you free to wind down for bedtime afterward.

You can also take advantage of some of the specialty restaurants during lunch instead of dinner for a lower price and easier timeframe for little ones. These can be booked in advance through the Royal Caribbean app or when you board. Of course, if you’re set on a specific time, you should book in advance on the app.

4. Stock Up on Snack from the Restaurants

Anyone who’s parented a toddler knows that snacks are non-negotiable! The Windjammer or Solarium Cafe have tons of grab-and-go options, perfect for stocking up on fresh fruit, pastries, crackers, or even a yogurt to have on hand in your cabin. Or you can just take a full plate of food back to your room!

Morning snacks are great for those early risers who need something to hold them over before breakfast. Evening snacks can save you when your little one gets hungry after dinner or during a late-night wake-up. Having a stash of familiar snacks also helps if your toddler is feeling picky about meals on any given day.

Pro tip: Don’t forget about room service! You can order breakfast right to your room if you don’t have time to make it down to a restaurant, or want a slower paced morning.

5. Dine at the Windjammer Buffet for Picky Eaters

Speaking of picky eaters, the Windjammer is a lifesaver for families. With an incredible variety of options available throughout the day, this buffet caters to even the most discerning little palates. You’ll find kid-friendly staples like chicken tenders, pasta, mac and cheese, and plenty of fresh fruit.

Plus, there’s no pressure to sit through a long meal—grab a quick plate and enjoy a relaxed, flexible dining experience. The casual atmosphere also means you don’t have to stress about toddler messes or meltdowns.

6. Bring a Lightweight Umbrella or Airplane Stroller

A compact stroller is essential for navigating the ship and exploring ports. I highly recommend bringing an umbrella stroller or airplane stroller—these are lightweight, easy to fold, and perfect for cruise life.

Strollers come in handy for strolling around the promenade or deck, especially if your toddler needs a mid-day nap. They’re also a lifesaver during shore excursions when you don’t want your little one running around or their legs are tired. Look for one that’s small enough to fit into tight elevators and easy to store in your cabin.

7. Keep Your Toddler Hydrated with Refillable Water Bottles

Cruises can be surprisingly dehydrating due to the salty air and active days. Make sure to pack a refillable toddler water bottle to keep your little one hydrated throughout the trip. Royal Caribbean offers free water stations in the Windjammer and around the ship, so you can easily refill bottles as needed.

Having your own bottle also ensures your toddler has a familiar drinking option, which can help encourage better hydration. You can always dump it out and fill it with something else from one of the restaurants.

We also like to purchase a case of waters to have in our room. This time we purchased the 24 pack thinking we would each have like two bottles a day, plus some for our toddler, but it was way too many! We easily could have gotten the 12 pack. The waters are huge!

8. Make the Most of Onboard Amenities

Royal Caribbean ships are packed with family-friendly amenities. Many ships feature splash pads for toddlers, kids’ pools, and play areas. Adventure Ocean also offers group activities and crafts for younger children, so be sure to check the schedule in your Cruise Planner or daily newsletter and sign up ahead of time.

If your ship has a carousel on the promenade, it’s a must-visit! On the Wonder of the Seas, we had plenty of different climbing areas and fun areas for the little ones to let out all of their energy.

9. Pack Strategically for a Toddler-Friendly Cruise

Packing for a toddler can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the essentials will help. Here’s a list of must-haves:

• Diapers and Wipes: Pack more than you think you’ll need—they’re hard to find onboard.
• Snacks: Bring a small stash of favorite snacks in case your toddler isn’t a fan of the ship’s options.
• Comfort Items & small toys: Include a blanket or stuffed animal. Small cars or little toys are great to have to keep occupied when waiting or walking around.
• Stroller: Opt for a lightweight, foldable stroller for easy maneuvering.
• Water Bottles: Bring a refillable bottle to keep your little one hydrated.
• Sunscreen and Hats: Protect that delicate skin from the tropical sun!

10. Relax and Enjoy your Vacation

Finally, remember to soak it all in. Cruising with a toddler is an adventure, and it won’t always go perfectly—but that’s okay. What’s great about a cruise is that you are never usually too far from the room so if you have to go back a reset, you can! Embrace the special moments, from watching your toddler splash in the pool to seeing their eyes light up at the ship’s nightly parades, or when they find a special hidden duck (IYKYK)!

Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond to make family cruising a joy, and with a little preparation, your trip can be as smooth as the sea.

Are you ready to set sail with your little one? Have any tips of your own? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!