Chapter III Baby-Friendly Cruising: Should You Take a Nanny, or Use Onboard Babysitters and Kid’s Programs?
Thinking of taking a cruise with a very young child or baby? Taking your own nanny is one way to go; however, if you are planning on using the cruise ship’s baby or child care facilities, read on. Most cruise lines have a minimum age for children to sail: ages range from three months to 12 years, depending on the cruise line. Be sure to verify this minimum age before booking a cruise. AmaWaterways – AmaWaterways cruises are primarily designed for the adult traveler. Children are allowed, but there are no child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Minimum age to sail on AmaWaterways is four years old, but children aged 4–7 are not recommended. The minimum age for African cruises is 12. Azamara Club Cruises – Azamara Club Cruises is primarily designed for the mature guest, so while the cruise line does welcome guests of all ages, no formal children’s programs or facilities are available on board their ships. Minimum age to sail on Azamara is six months old. On transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaiian, select South American, other selected cruises and/or cruise tours, and all cruises which include three or more consecutive days at sea, the infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruise tour. Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival’s Youth Program, Camp Carnival, is designed for ages 2–11, but children younger than two can play with the toys during designated family play times (parents must be present!). There are babysitting services during limited hours for children younger than two at Camp Carnival. Minimum age for sailing is six months, with the exceptions of transatlantic, Hawaiian, and South American cruises, for which the minimum age is 12 months. Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity offers private, in-cabin babysitters. A child must be 12 months old to qualify for this service and no more than two children are allowed per babysitter. Parents should be prepared to make requests for services at least twenty-four hours in advance. Infants sailing with Celebrity Cruises must be at least six months old as of the first day of the cruise. However, for transatlantic, transpacific, select South American cruises, and other select cruises, the infant must be at least twelve months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruise tour. For the purposes of this policy, any cruise that has three or more consecutive days at sea will require infants to be twelve months old on the first day of the cruise/cruise tour. Costa Cruise Line – There are no organized activities for children under the age of three, but during the low season/off- peak times families can access the children’s areas. Costa also provides a group baby-sitting service in their “Miniclub” (between 11:30 PM - 1:30 PM) so that parents may take part in cruise entertainment. Costa also provides cribs, high chairs, baby bath, bottle warmers, and liquidized food on request. Minimum age to sail on Costa is six months for most cruises, and 12 months for transocean crossings, world cruises, and cruises of fifteen days or longer in duration. Crystal Cruises – Crystal does not have a formal program for children under the age of three, but babysitting services are available. Arrangements can be made through the concierge; parents should expect to provide twenty-four hours’ notice and pay a nominal charge for babysitting services. The minimum age to sail on Crystal Cruises is six months.
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
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