As part of our cruising with a baby series we have been looking into Cruise Ship Nurseries For Babies And Toddlers. As parents there is nothing more amazing than exploring the world with our little ones. However a little cruise down time with a spa, or a date night with a romantic meal and a show is also a great option when cruising with a baby.
Cruise Ship Nurseries For Babies And Toddlers?
We have done the research to find you the best cruise ship nurseries for babies. As a result have found that many cruise lines offer exceptional baby facilities. Whether it’s stay and play, or drop off daycare there is something to suit all families.
Which Cruise Lines Have Drop Off Nurseries For Babies?
- Norwegian Cruise Line ( Norwegian Escape)
- Royal Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
- MSC Cruise Line
- P&O ( Night Nursery)
- Carnival Cruise Line
Keep reading to see the terms for each cruise line.
Norwegian Cruise Line Nurseries
NCL have the guppies Nursery is a dedicated stay and play area for families with babies and toddlers up to the age of 3. This is a great place to take your baby for arranged stay and play, free play sessions.
Norwegian Escape drop-off nursery. Sessions are bookable in advance and last for 1 hr 50 mins. Day time sessions cost $20.00 USD per session for the first child and $16.00 USD per session for each additional sibling. Additionally the night nursery costs $24.00 USD and $20.00 USD. Fees charged to guests onboard account.
Cruise Ship Nurseries For Babies On Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offer the Royal Tots Nursery is for babies aged 6-36 months with drop off sessions in the day and evening. Sessions last for 1 hour at a cost of $6 per hour per child from 9 am – 6 pm and $8 per hour per child from 6 pm to midnight.
Ships with Royal Babies And Tots drop-off sessions are
- Allure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Brilliance of the Seas
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Liberty of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Serenade of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Vision of the Seas
Additionally there are free-play sessions, where parents take infants along and take part in the arranged activities. More about cruising with a baby on Royal Caribbean Here.
Disney Cruise Line Nursery
It’s A Small World Nursery is a beautifully colourful Disney themed nursery which is available on all Disney Cruise Ships. As this is a popular service it is available to book in advance. However, can also be booked onboard daily on a first come first serve basis.
- 120 days ahead for Concierge and Platinum Castaway Club Guests
- 105 days ahead for Gold Castaway Club Guests
- 90 days ahead for Silver Castaway Club Guests
- 75 days ahead for all other Guests
Its A Small World cost’s $4.50 per half hour for the first child $4.00 per half hour for any additional children in your family. The minimum reservation time is an hour.
Cruise Ship Nurseries For Babies On MSC Cruises
The MSC Mini Club is for babies aged between 1 and 3 years old (not inclusive). It’s available between 13:00 and 14:00 and also between 18:00 and 19:00 when the ship is sailing.
Although I couldn’t find a price for this anywhere, so contacted MSC direct who have confirmed that this is indeed a complimentary service, which is amazing news for families cruising with babies. There’s also the Mini Club play and stay for parents and babies.
MSC Mini Club Play And Stay Is Available on
Dock Days
Morning: 8:00-10:00
Afternoon: 16:00-18:00
Evening: 20:00-21:00
Sea Days
Morning: 8:00-10:00
Evening: 20:00-21:00
Princess Cruises Have Stay And Play Sessions.
Babies and toddlers are welcome to play in Camp Discovery when accompanied by a parent.
P&O Cruises Night Nursery
The P&O Night Nursery is for babies and toddlers aged between 6 months and 4 years of age. Although this is a free service, children must be settled and sleepy on arrival.
Carnival Cruise Line Camp Ocean And Night Owls
Children under the age of 2 are welcome to join Camp Ocean programming and Night Owls during specific times. Although hours may vary due to cruise itineraries.
On sea days: There are limited times throughout the cruise for under 2’s. During these times you may leave your child in the care of the Youth Staff, at a cost of $6.75 USD per hour plus an 18% gratuity, per child. Alternatively you can stay and use the camp facility at no charge. This time is designated specially for the use of ‘Under 2s’ and parents/guardians only.
While in port, You can leave your child in the care of the Youth Staff at a cost of: $6.75 USD per hour plus an 18% gratuity, per child. However, there is no provision for care during meal times for children ‘Under 2’; parents, guardians must return from port at this time.
Evenings: Night Owls babysitting is available at a fee of $6.75 USD per hour plus an 18% gratuity, per child. This is from 10:00pm-1:00am each evening in the Camp Ocean facility, which is a slumber party type atmosphere, including movie time, toys and room service snacks. During this time, there will be children from other age groups (ages 2-11 years) participating in Night Owls. Cribs are also available if needed.
Potty-Trained
Children do not have to be potty-trained in order to participate in Camp Ocean and/or Night Owls. However parents should provide the Youth Staff with diapers and toiletries to be used for their child.
Hope this has helped and or more info on cruising with a baby also check out these posts.
- Can babies go in the pool on a cruise.
- Keeping your baby safe in the pool.
- Finding the best stroller for you cruise.
- Also check out our new to cruising tips and advice page.
