Cruise Safety Tips for Families
House rules that keep a family cruise relaxed and fun.
Get Free Cruise QuotesShips are among the easiest family vacations there are — one unpacking, supervised kids’ clubs and food on demand. A few house rules make them even easier.
Before You Sail
- Bring passports for everyone if you can. On some closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports, U.S. citizen children may travel on a birth certificate, but a passport makes an unexpected flight home far simpler.
- If a child is traveling with only one parent or with grandparents, carry a signed consent letter from the absent parent(s) — cruise lines and some countries ask for it.
- Check your line’s minimum age rules for infants and for kids’ club ages.
- Pack children’s medication, a thermometer and sunscreen in your carry-on.
The First Hour On Board
Make a family plan as soon as you board. Show the children your cabin number and teach them to find it from the elevators. Agree on a meeting point — a particular lounge or the guest services desk — for anyone who gets separated. Older children can use the cruise line’s app to message you on board (usually free or low-cost on the ship’s network). Attend the safety briefing together and point out the children’s life jackets in the cabin.
Pools, Balconies and Water
Pool and splash areas are among the most popular places on a family ship. Some ships post lifeguards at certain pools, but not every pool has one, so always keep children within sight and arm’s reach. Children who are not toilet-trained are usually restricted to designated splash areas.
On a balcony, never let children climb on furniture near the railing, and keep the balcony door locked when you are not using it. Most cabins have a high latch on the balcony door for this reason.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply after swimming.
- Fit snorkel masks and life vests before excursions.
- Teach kids that the ship’s crew in uniform are safe people to ask for help.
Kids’ Clubs and Teen Clubs
Family-oriented ships run supervised clubs grouped by age, with sign-in and sign-out procedures so that only named adults can collect younger children. Teen clubs are usually more independent. Ask at registration how the club handles meals, nap times, swimming and port days, and make sure your contact details on the ship’s system are correct.
Port Days With Children
Port days bring the most variables: crowds, traffic, heat and unfamiliar streets. Dress younger children in bright clothing so they are easy to spot, and put a card in each child’s pocket with your name, mobile number and the ship’s name. Take a photo of each child in the morning, so you have a current picture of what they are wearing. Carry water and snacks, plan shade breaks, and choose excursions with a sensible length for the youngest member of the group. On water tours, fit children’s life vests before the boat leaves the dock, not on the way.
Planning a family reunion or multi-generation trip? Our sister site Family Group Cruises has ideas for keeping everyone together.
Plan a Family Cruise Everyone Enjoys
Tell us the ages of your children and what they love. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest family-friendly ships and send free quotes.
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