* How far along can an expectant mother be and still cruise?
or
* What age does an infant have to be before they can cruise?
or
Does the cruise line have babysitting or activities for kids under age 3 ?
Get the definitive answer to each cruise line's policy about questions here at a glance!
These were the policies as of July 2, 2014
_____________
* How far along can an expectant mother be and still cruise?
Carnival - 24 weeks or less at time of embarkation which is 6 months
Royal Caribbean - 23 weeks or less at time of embarkation with Dr. note.
Disney - 23 weeks or less at time of embarkation. Dr. note not required but helpful.
Norwegian - 23 weeks. Dr note required with estimated due date prior to the cruise.
MSC - 23 weeks - once she enters 24th, she can’t go. Must provide Dr. note.
Costa - 24 weeks or less at time of embarkation. Must provide dr. note
Holland - 24 weeks or less at time of disembarkation. Must provide dr. note
Princess - 24 weeks or less at time of disembarkation. Must provide dr. note
* What age does an infant have to be before they can cruise?
Carnival - 6 months
Royal Caribbean - 6 months. If cruise has more than 3 consecutive days at sea, they will have to be 12 months.
Disney - At least 12 weeks
Norwegian - 6 months at time of sailing. If cruise has more than 3 consecutive days at sea, they will have to be 12 months.
MSC - NEW RULE - infants of ANY AGE can cruise!
Costa - 6 months (won’t book infants up to 18 months in inside cabins)
Holland - 6 months or 12 months. Depends on the cruise. Most European cruises are going to be 12 months.
Princess - 6 months or 12 months. Depends on the cruise. Most European cruises are going to be 12 months.
*Babysitting Services
Royal Caribbean - yes, children must be at least 1 year old, offering in group setting and individually in state room, must be reserved through Guest Relations Desk (Purser’s desk) at least 24 hours in advance, but can’t be reserved prior to the cruise and there’s no guarantee sitters will be available, offered from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. if personnel are available, $19 per hour for up to 3 children in same family, pay using on board sea pass, http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/experiencetypes/category.do?pagename=onboard_cat_kids_teens_and_families=
Disney - $9/hr for nursery. Make reservations online. Can book up to 18 hours prior to sailing (7 night sailing) but can book more when they get on the ship. Based on availability.
Norwegian - 6 months minimum age. New Ship Norwegian ESCAPE now has nursery for babies called Guppies program. Parents are required to be present for the guppies program.
MSC - MSC Baby Time is free but requires that the parents remain present.
Costa - 3 years and up and potty-trained.
Holland - Provided for children ages 3 and up in staterooms by off-duty staff. $8/hr for first child, $5/hr for each
Princess - Not under 3 years at all.
Celebrity- $19 per hour for stateroom babysitting. Toddler time for children under 3 is available for free as long as a parent is present.
Cunard - Babysitting is free for ages 2 and up. Parents are required to change diapers.
