Helping Young Kids and Babies Sleep Well on a Family Cruise
- Jennie Clarke
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Cruise Like a Pro: Travel Tips from Samantha Oddo, Certified Travel Advisor
“Different cruise lines are more ‘baby’ friendly than others,” says Samantha Oddo, mom of two and travel expert. “Typically, all cruise lines have a special request form or section that you or your travel agency can use to request all necessary equipment prior to sailing.”
Some key things to know before booking:
Baby-Friendly Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line is a top pick for families, offering:
Complimentary cribs, playpens, high chairs, and even fresh pureed veggies for babies.
Diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, and sterilizers.
Strollers, Pack-n-Plays, and beach wagons at Disney Castaway Cay, their private island.
Crib setup and takedown by your stateroom host daily.
Royal Caribbean provides either a crib or a Pack-n-Play (not both), but doesn’t guarantee which. You’ll likely receive just a flat sheet—so bring your own crib sheet!
Must-Know Logistics for Cruising with Babies
Babies must be at least 6 months old to cruise.
Hallways can be narrow, so babywearing is often easier than using a stroller onboard.
Samantha recommends booking a balcony stateroom so parents have a quiet, relaxing place to hang out while the baby naps.
Sleep at Sea: Tips from Smart Night Sleep
As a Certified Child Sleep Consultant, we know vacation sleep isn’t perfect—and that’s okay! Here’s how to keep your child’s sleep on track (or at least, close enough) while cruising:
Have Flexibility: The 80/20 Rule
We use the 80/20 rule for travel: aim for good quality sleep 80% of the time, and give yourself grace the other 20%. That might mean skipping a nap for a special activity or staying up late for a show. A few skipped naps won’t undo your child’s sleep foundation if you keep consistent otherwise and make up for the lost sleep with an early bedtime.
Pack a Sleep Bag
Bring a portable “sleep bag” that includes:
A sound machine to create consistent white noise and block out hallway or ship noise
Your child’s favorite bedtime books to keep the bedtime routine familiar
Their sleep sack or wearable blanket for comfort and consistency
Blackout curtains with suction cups or clips (to darken windows or divide sleeping areas)
A familiar comfort item like a lovey or stuffy (for children over 12 months of age)
You might even want to carry your sleep bag on board with your embarkation day essentials. Luggage delivery can take several hours, so having these items handy means you’ll be prepared if your child needs a nap before your bags arrive.
While there are popular blackout tents like SlumberPod, they are not currently AAP approved. Instead, consider using blackout fabric or travel shades to safely darken your child’s sleep space.
Napping on the Go
You can nap on the go—and sometimes you have to! Whether you're strolling the deck or exploring a port, a comfortable carrier or reclining stroller can help your little one catch some zzz's while you keep moving.
However, it's important to remember that motion sleep is not as restorative as stationary sleep in a crib or bed. Your child might not nap as long or reach the deepest stages of sleep while in motion. If possible, aim to do at least one crib or room nap per day—especially for babies under 12 months—so they can get that higher-quality rest.
When that’s not possible, don’t stress. Use your most reliable carrier or stroller and plan quieter activities around your little one's nap windows to give them the best chance at rest.
Getting Back on Track After the Cruise
Once the vacation ends, it’s totally normal for sleep to feel a bit off. Between time zone changes, irregular naps, and all the excitement, kids often need a little help settling back into their routine. Here’s how to support that transition:
Start with a Few Early Bedtimes
In the first few days after your cruise, aim for an earlier bedtime—even 30 minutes earlier than usual can do wonders to make up for lost sleep. Overtiredness can build up fast during travel, and early bedtimes help your child catch up on missed sleep and reset their internal clock.
Back to the Crib
Once you’re home, return to crib naps and crib overnights as soon as possible. Motion sleep in strollers or carriers may have worked while cruising, but at home, those methods can quickly become sleep crutches. Reinforcing the crib as your child’s primary sleep space helps restore healthy sleep habits and independence.
Be Patient—It Takes Time
Expect it to take a few days to a week for your child to fully adjust and catch up on sleep. Stick to your regular routines, stay consistent with your response to wake-ups, and trust that things will settle again. The more consistent you are, the quicker your child will bounce back.
You’ve made sweet memories—now help your child get the sweet sleep they need.
Final Thought
Cruising with a baby or young child is not only possible—it can be magical. With Samantha Oddo’s expert cruise planning and Smart Night Sleep’s nap-friendly strategies, you’ll set sail for a smoother, more restful vacation for the whole family.
Need help getting your child on a solid sleep routine before you cruise?
📞 Book a free intro call with Smart Night Sleep and let’s make sure your child is ready to sleep well—on land or sea!
Meet Samantha Oddo
Hi! I’m Sam — mom of two boys, wife to my favorite travel partner, and a Certified Travel Advisor with a passion for helping families explore the world together.
We fell in love with travel on our honeymoon to Sandals Ochi in 2012, and now our favorite vacations include family cruises and all-inclusive escapes—especially Beaches Turks & Caicos with our kids!
I’m proud to be a Royal Caribbean Master of Adventure and a Virgin Voyages Gold First Mate, specializing in unforgettable cruise experiences for families, couples, and groups. I also live just 15 minutes from Disney, so magic is never far from home!
Let’s plan your next dream vacation—on land or at sea!
📧 Email: sam@lotmv.com
📱 Phone: 423-544-6078
📸 Instagram: @sam_loveofthemagic
👍 Facebook: Sam Oddo – Love of the Magic Travel
Wishing you rest,
Jennie Clarke
Founder and Certified Sleep Consultant
Smart Night Sleep
321-209-5013
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