Cruising with a 6-Month-Old: Family on Deck

Ultimate Guide to Cruising with a 6-Month-Old: Essential Tips for Families

Embarking on a cruise with an infant might seem daunting, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience for the whole family. As seasoned cruisers ourselves, we were determined not to let parenthood put a halt to our beloved sea adventures. Our son, Ryder, took his first voyage at just six months old, and what an adventure it was! Having meticulously researched and found a surprising lack of comprehensive information on cruising with such young babies, we’re thrilled to share our firsthand insights to help put your mind at ease and prepare you for an unforgettable family cruise.

Our Passion for Cruising and the Transition to Family Voyages

My husband, Jon, and I share a deep love for cruising, with over 15 and 12 voyages under our belts, respectively. We’ve explored various cruise lines and enjoyed countless journeys across the seas. Living in Florida, with major cruise ports just a drive away, made cruising a regular part of our lives, often embarking on 1 to 3 trips per year before Ryder arrived. We knew that having a baby wouldn’t stop us; it would simply transform our cruising experience into a new and exciting chapter.

One of the first considerations for families with infants is the cruise line’s age policy. Most cruise lines require babies to be at least six months old to sail. The notable exception is Disney Cruise Line, which allows infants as young as 12 weeks. While we’ve always had a soft spot for Carnival Cruise Lines, even achieving platinum status, our decision for Ryder’s first cruise was driven by a specific, crucial need for families with infants.

Choosing the Right Cruise Line: The Importance of Royal Caribbean’s Nursery

Our choice for Ryder’s inaugural cruise was Royal Caribbean, and there was one standout reason: their exceptional nursery services for babies under two years of age who are not yet potty trained. This dedicated childcare option is a game-changer for parents seeking a balance of family time and personal relaxation. While Disney also offers similar services, Royal Caribbean presented a more budget-friendly option for our four-night cruise, allowing us to save the Disney experience for when Ryder is a bit older and can fully appreciate its magic.

Planning this cruise began around Ryder’s four-month mark. My once-insatiable urge for frequent travel had somewhat diminished since becoming my own boss, but the desire to escape and create new memories remained strong. The availability and quality of infant care became paramount in our cruise selection process.

It’s important to note that not all Royal Caribbean ships feature the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery. This is a newer program offered on select ships, so always verify availability for your chosen vessel. There is a fee associated with using the nursery: $6 per hour before 5 PM and $8 per hour after 5 PM. As I humorously told Jon, “Gone are the days of crazy drink tabs – now we’ll have a crazy nursery tab!”

Leaving Ryder with someone other than our parents, and for the first time paying for childcare, was a new experience for us. However, the nursery staff exceeded all expectations. They were excellent with Ryder, who, being exactly six months old on embarkation day, was the youngest baby on board. The older one- and two-year-olds in the nursery were incredibly sweet and gentle with him, creating a lovely environment.

The nursery on the Enchantment of the Seas, while somewhat small and lacking windows, was highly functional. It was equipped with a thick playmat, various toys, a few cribs for naps, and a changing table. A quick heads-up: the room is quite bright, and movies play a bit loudly, which might be a factor for sensitive sleepers.

The Art of Packing for an Infant Cruise: A Comprehensive Checklist

Packing for a cruise with a baby feels akin to preparing for a year-long expedition. My philosophy for traveling with an infant, especially on a ship where immediate access to stores is limited and you might be in a foreign country, is to unapologetically over-pack and anticipate every possible scenario. It’s always better to have too much than to be caught unprepared.

Feeding Essentials: Staying Stocked and Sterilized

Bottles: The quantity depends on your baby’s feeding routine (formula or breast milk). We packed three bottles, as I exclusively breastfeed and Ryder only takes bottles when I pump, typically when he’s with the nursery staff.
Portable Bottle Washing Supplies: A portable drying rack and brush are indispensable. We highly recommend the OXO Tot On-The-Go Drying Rack and Bottle Brush; it was a lifesaver.
Dishwashing Soap: Bring your preferred travel-sized bottle and dish liquid, like Dapple Baby Bottle and Dish Liquid.
Breast Pump & Accessories (if breastfeeding): Don’t forget your pump, milk storage bags, extra pump parts, and pump wipes for convenient sterilization on the go.

Hygiene & Health Supplies: Prepared for Every Potty and Pout

Diapers, Diapers, and More Diapers: This is non-negotiable. Leading up to the cruise, track your daily diaper usage. While you can buy diapers on board, they are often prohibitively expensive. We packed 10 daytime diapers plus 10 nighttime diapers per day, totaling 50 diapers for our 4-day cruise, which gave us more than enough.
Wipes: A small, portable wipe package is perfect for keeping in your main diaper bag and a smaller “mini” diaper bag.
Diaper Rash Cream: Even if your baby rarely gets a rash, an unfamiliar environment or dietary changes can trigger one. You’ll be grateful to have it on hand.
Travel-Size Bath Wash: A gentle baby bath wash is essential.
Inflatable Bathtub (Optional): While we simply held Ryder in the shower with us, an inflatable baby tub can provide a more comfortable bathing experience in the cabin.
Baby Towel & Washcloth: Familiar items from home can offer comfort.
Baby Lotion: To keep their delicate skin moisturized.
First-Aid Essentials: A digital thermometer, baby Tylenol, baby Advil, teething tablets, and Pedialyte are invaluable for those “just in case” moments. You likely won’t need them, but having them can save a lot of stress.

Sleeping & Comfort: Ensuring Restful Nights and Happy Days

Pack ‘n Play Sheets: Request a pack ‘n play for your room. However, the provided sheets can be ill-fitting or washed with unfamiliar detergents. Pack at least two sets of your own fitted sheets to ensure comfort and prevent skin irritation.
Familiar Blankets: Two soft blankets that remind your baby of home (one thick, one muslin) can provide a sense of security and help with sleep.

Clothing & Sun Protection: Ready for Ship and Shore

Outfits: Two outfits per day, plus socks and shoes. Include an equal mix of pants and shorts, as indoor areas on the ship can be surprisingly chilly.
Pajamas: 2-3 pairs for cozy nights.
Bibs & Burp Cloths: Ryder was quite drooly, so 10 bibs and 5 burp cloths were essential for frequent changes.
Light Jacket: A hooded light jacket is perfect for cooler indoor temperatures or breezy evenings on deck.
Reusable Swim Diaper: For beach days or splash pads. We loved our reusable swim diaper as it dried quickly for daily use.
Rashguard Shirt: An i play. Unisex-baby Infant Long Sleeve Rashguard Shirt was used every day for sun protection.
Sun Hat: A wide-brimmed i play. Babywear Sunhat is crucial for protecting delicate skin and should cover both face and neck. We loved ours for its adjustable fit.
Baby Sunscreen: Specifically formulated for infants.
Baby Beach Towel: Useful for the beach and also for laying down on a Lido deck chair.
Water Float (Optional): Totally worth it for a relaxing day at Coco Cay.

Baby Gear for Onboard & Port: Mobility and Convenience

Baby Carriers: We packed both a ring sling and a buckle carrier and used them more than anticipated. They are fantastic for navigating the ship and ports where strollers might be cumbersome.
“Mini” Diaper Bag: A smaller bag for quick trips around the ship, avoiding the need to haul your large, bulky main diaper bag everywhere.
Regular Diaper Bag: For longer excursions or when dropping off at the nursery.

While Ryder didn’t wear every outfit we packed, having backups for accidents provided great peace of mind. By the end of the trip, our bibs and burp cloths were definitely ready for the wash! Our single swim diaper, board shorts, and rash guard were washed and dried nightly, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Cruising with an Infant: Essential Onboard Tips for Smooth Sailing

Once you’re on the ship, a few key strategies can make your cruise with a baby much smoother and more enjoyable.

Pre-Book Nursery Times: As soon as you’ve boarded and had lunch, head straight to the nursery. Fill out all necessary forms and pre-book ALL your desired sitter times. Nurseries typically have limited spots (e.g., 8 per hour), and they can fill up incredibly fast, especially with over 50 babies and 100+ kids onboard, as was our experience. The best part? You can usually change these bookings free of charge, as the staff proved to be very flexible with us.
Confirm Room Amenities: Upon reaching your cabin, if your requested pack ‘n play isn’t there, immediately call guest services. Also, communicate directly with your stateroom attendant about any needs, such as extra towels or a refrigerator.
Request a Refrigerator for Breast Milk: If you’re a breastfeeding mother and plan to store fresh milk (which you will if using the nursery), request a refrigerator. Not every room comes equipped with one, but by law, cruise lines must provide one for medical necessity. I didn’t pre-request and was lucky to secure one, but it’s best to call ahead.
Embrace Babywearing: Bring a baby carrier! Maneuvering a stroller around a bustling cruise ship or on unpaved port islands can be challenging. Babywearing allows for greater freedom and makes you proud to show off your little one.
Navigating Coco Cay (or similar private islands): Coco Cay, for example, is not a paved island. Strollers will struggle with the sandy paths. Babywearing was our best decision here, despite the warmth. Don’t forget shade—we used a towel for Ryder, and he remained perfectly protected.
Extra Change of Clothes for Port Days: Always pack an extra change of clothes for your baby when visiting ports like Coco Cay. After a dip in the ocean, you’ll want to change them out of wet swim gear into something dry and comfortable.
Prioritize Sun Protection: A large hat that effectively covers your baby’s face and neck is paramount for protecting their delicate skin. Ryder wore his hat for the majority of the cruise.
Adhere to Baby’s Schedule: Try your best to stick to your baby’s regular schedule. The first day we missed almost every nap, and it resulted in an overtired, cranky baby—pure torture for everyone.
Consider a Balcony Cabin: If your budget allows, opt for a balcony. It provides a private retreat where you and your partner can relax, sip wine, read, and enjoy the ocean view while the baby naps peacefully inside. This was a last-minute decision for us, so we didn’t get one, but it’s high on our list for future cruises.
Diaper Changing Improvisation: Don’t be surprised by the lack of changing tables in public restrooms. My husband learned this the hard way! Always carry a portable changing pad, and be prepared to improvise, whether on a counter, a bench, or back in your cabin.

If you plan to use the nursery, we highly recommend booking it for dinners. This allows you and your spouse to enjoy uninterrupted meals together each evening. We often scheduled an extra hour so we could also enjoy the hot tub or a show without needing to entertain the baby. On one occasion, when the hot tubs were packed and nothing else caught our interest, we picked Ryder up early, and the nursery staff were completely accommodating, without any extra charges.

We also scheduled a few hours each morning for some quiet time by the pool. It was absolutely worth every penny, providing us with precious moments to unwind and reconnect as a couple.

Since Ryder wasn’t mobile at six months, he happily laid on our deck chairs. Oh, those days when he wouldn’t move much! Now that he’s 9 months and actively crawling, I know a cruise would be a completely different experience. I’m incredibly grateful we seized the opportunity to cruise when he was just six months old, making for a wonderfully relaxed trip.

We were so glad we packed both our ring sling and buckle carrier, as we used them far more than we anticipated. They proved invaluable for various situations.

I found the ring sling particularly useful in the evenings for transporting Ryder to and from the nursery. It was also a fantastic tool for getting him to sleep one night; a gentle walk around the ship in the sling eventually lulled him into a peaceful slumber.

The buckle carrier was our go-to for the muster drill, allowing Ryder to look out and observe the surroundings. As you can imagine, he was just as thrilled as everyone else to be at the drill!

Making the Most of Port Days: Our Coco Cay Experience

We found our baby carrier invaluable during our visit to Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. There was no need to lug a bulky stroller across the uneven terrain when we could comfortably carry our baby, saving space and avoiding the hassle of maneuvering a stroller on a potentially shaky ferry. Ryder actually fell asleep as soon as we arrived, and Jon, not wanting to wake him, sat patiently for 10-15 minutes before we gently laid him down.

Our view from our chairs at Coco Cay was simply breathtaking. We absolutely adored the private island and wished every cruise included a stop there, perhaps even skipping Nassau for a two-day stay!

After Ryder woke, we took him into the water. This wasn’t his first beach experience, having visited one at three months old. He absolutely loved the ocean, and we stayed in for over half an hour, taking turns holding him, playing, and letting him enjoy his water float.

After our fun in the water, it was nap time! Ryder slept for almost two hours on the beach, likely soothed by the cool tropical breeze and the rhythmic crash of ocean waves. I took the opportunity to grab lunch from the buffet and brought it back to our chairs, allowing us to eat in peace and quiet.

When he was mostly awake, Ryder enjoyed lounging on the chair between Jon’s legs, fascinated by the swaying palm trees and everything else happening around him.

Fun on Sea Days: Splash Pads, Quiet Spots & Relaxation

On our sea day, we dressed Ryder in his swim gear and took him to the splash pad on the Lido deck. He absolutely loved it! However, since the area wasn’t shaded, we used our bodies to shield him from the sun as much as possible.

We made a conscious effort to find quieter spots on the Lido deck. Ryder had been startled by the loud music on our first day, so we kept that in mind to ensure he had a more peaceful experience.

With some milk leftover from his nursery visit earlier in the day, we had the perfect opportunity to feed him on deck. He was out like a light in no time, enjoying a peaceful nap amidst the sea breeze.

Ryder was absolutely enchanted by the towel animals our stateroom attendant crafted each day!

One of the highlights was undoubtedly our three-hour family nap. It was an amazing opportunity for all of us to truly relax and recharge together.

Remember that you can always order room service or take food back to your cabin. I did this on the first day to ensure Ryder could get a quick nap in before the muster drill, which proved to be an excellent decision.

Don’t be afraid to improvise! If your pack ‘n play isn’t set up on day one, as happened with us, just create a safe sleeping space. We put Ryder in the middle of our bed and surrounded him with pillows. At that age, he wasn’t moving much in his sleep, and with us right there in the room, it worked out perfectly.

If you choose to bring your little one to the dining room, be sure to have plenty of engaging items to occupy them. On our first night, the nursery didn’t open until around 7 PM, which was close to Ryder’s bedtime. We ended up taking him to dinner, and after a day with minimal naps, he was in full meltdown mode. Most of that dinner was spent walking him around while the other one of us ate in peace (and spared fellow diners his cries!).

Jon eventually worked his magic, and Ryder finally conked out, allowing us to enjoy our dessert together!

But then he was wide awake and didn’t go to bed until almost 11:00 PM, which was totally out of character for him. I think he was just ready to party! We tortured ourselves by staying in the room initially. On subsequent nights when he didn’t settle down immediately, we’d put him in the sling and take a walk around the ship, which almost always tired him out.

For breakfast, I generally prefer the buffet at Lido. It’s often easier for parents to take turns eating and entertaining the baby. Now that Ryder is older, we could all eat together more easily, but back then, Jon insisted on a sit-down breakfast one morning, and Ryder was not pleased with that decision. Ultimately, you have to do what works best for your family and your baby’s temperament.

Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Cruising with Your Infant

If you’re contemplating or planning a cruise with your 6-month-old, we sincerely hope our detailed insights and tips prove valuable. We recognize that cruising with a baby becomes a completely different ballgame once they are mobile. If we were to cruise with Ryder now, at his crawling stage, he would likely be miserable from being confined. This is why we were so thankful to experience it when he was still an immobile infant.

Be prepared for some curious looks or even a few rude comments from others who don’t understand why you’d bring a baby on a cruise. We encountered an older couple who were openly angry about Ryder being loud in the buffet area. The best approach is simply to ignore the “haters” and focus on creating wonderful memories with your family.

We plan our next cruise for the fall when Ryder will be about a year and a half and confidently walking. We anticipate a different experience and look forward to sharing an update on how that journey compares to our 6-month-old adventure. If you’ve cruised with an infant and have additional advice not covered here, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.