Cruising with Kids Under Three: What I Learned on Star of the Seas

Formal night onboard

When my husband Gregory and I boarded Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas with our toddler Dylan, I’ll admit—I wasn’t sure what to expect. Traveling as a family of three was brand new to us. Gregory and I had been so used to “just us” vacations—adults-only dinners, quiet evenings, spontaneous plans. Cruising with a child under three is definitely a wake-up call… but it’s also one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done.

The truth? You can do it. And the memories you’ll bring home—tiny feet dancing to live music, baby giggles at the splash pad, pictures you’ll treasure forever—are absolutely worth it. Here are my biggest takeaways from our experience.

Pack Your Own Distractions

Bring toys. Bring books. Bring that favorite stuffed animal. Even with so much happening onboard, downtime is real & necessary —and little ones need familiar things to keep them busy.

And if you’re an iPad parent? Lean into it. Dinner gets a lot easier when your toddler is happily watching a cartoon while you enjoy your meal. I promise there were SEVERAL of us onboard. No guilt needed.

Rethink the Dining Room Dream

Royal’s main dining room is beautiful, but for kids under three it can be overwhelming—long waits, multiple courses, lots of noise. We learned quickly that the Windjammer buffet was a lifesaver. No waiting, food ready immediately, and plenty of variety.

Here’s what worked best for us:

• Quick Windjammer dinners most nights

• Live music afterward (Dylan loved dancing while we sipped cocktails)

• Saving the main dining room for one or two special nights only

It was a simple shift, but it made evenings far more enjoyable.

Toddler Tantrums Happen (and That’s Okay)

Let’s be honest—meltdowns are part of toddler life, no matter where you are. What helped us was scouting out “safe spots” on the ship on the very first day.

On Star of the Seas, we found soft lounging areas near Starbucks, right outside the main lobby, and the outdoor running track. Both gave Dylan space to run and play safely. Even better, one of us could chase him while the other sat nearby with a cocktail and caught their breath. It became a great strategy for tiring him out and keeping everyone’s sanity intact.

The Nursery is a Game-Changer—But Plan Ahead

Royal Caribbean offers nurseries for ages 6 months to 3 years, and I can’t say enough good things about the staff. Dylan ran straight in and didn’t want to leave. There were toys, activities, and even Moana playing in the background.

But here’s the catch: you need to sign up immediately on day one, right after muster drill. On our sailing, there were 7,000 people onboard—lots of them kids—and nursery spots filled quickly. We were only given six hours total for the first three days, which we split into three two-hour sessions. On day four, more hours opened up, and we snagged another six.

Pro tip: look at the entertainment schedule before you book your time slots. We made the mistake of grabbing a 7–9 p.m. slot one night, only to find out that the live music we wanted to see didn’t start until 9 p.m. With some planning, you can match nursery hours with your top priorities—whether that’s a date-night dinner, pool time, or catching a show.

The Crew Truly Loves Your Kids

One of the sweetest surprises of cruising with Dylan was how much the staff lit up around him. Many of them have children back home they deeply miss, and just a quick smile or high-five from a toddler in the hallway can brighten their day. Dylan became a little “celebrity” on board—everywhere we went, crew members greeted him warmly. It made the ship feel even more like home and reminded us how precious these small moments are, both for us and for those caring for us during the week.

Be Realistic About Pool Time

If your toddler is still in diapers, they’re not allowed in the main pools. There is usually a splash pad for littles, but it’s not quite the same. As a self-proclaimed “pool girly,” I really missed my long pool days this trip.

What worked for us was using some of our nursery hours during the day so Gregory and I could enjoy the Hideaway—an adults-only pool and bar at the back of the ship. It was one of my favorite memories, but it required being intentional with scheduling.

If I could do it again, I’d prioritize more daytime hours for the pool. So talk with your partner, decide what experiences matter most to you, and use those precious nursery hours wisely.

Bring a Grandparent (If You Can)

We managed a full 7-day cruise without grandparents, and it was amazing. But if you have the option to bring one along, do it. Built-in babysitting means the occasional date night or shore excursion without juggling nap schedules.

That said—don’t let the lack of grandparents hold you back. It’s absolutely doable on your own.

Final Thoughts for New Parents

Cruising with a toddler is not the same as your pre-kid travels. It requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to adjust expectations. But here’s the beauty of it: you’ll see the ship, the ocean, and the destinations through your child’s eyes. And that perspective is worth everything.

I came home with more than just souvenirs—I came home with memories I’ll never forget. And if you’re on the fence about taking your little one on a cruise? My advice: Go for it.