Planning a Disney cruise with a 6-month-old might seem overwhelming, but it can be a magical experience with the right preparation. As someone who planned a Disney cruise around our firstborn’s birth, I learned valuable tips to make the journey smooth and enjoyable for the whole family. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a fantastic trip with your baby.
Is it worth it to go on a Disney cruise with a 6-month old?
Absolutely! If you’re a Disney fan and love the elevated service Disney Cruise Line offers, you can have an enjoyable time with your 6-month old.
Keep in mind, the minimum age to sail aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship is 6 months on the day of sailing; however, the minimum age for Transatlantic, Panama Canal and Hawaii itineraries is one year on the day of sailing.
Request early dining as soon as possible
If you need to get the littlest traveler down for the night at a certain time, you might be looking at Early Dining, usually at 5:45pm. The Early Dining slot books up quickly, so keep that in mind when booking a last-minute cruise. Second dining usually starts at 8pm, which can be a little late for families with young children. If you have the second dining option and want to move to the earlier dining slot, check in with the dining castmember team as soon as you board on Embarkation Day to see if room is available.
Know what to pack
While Disney Cruise Line offers many amenities for little travelers, we recommend packing essential baby items, like a stroller, diapers, formula, bottles, and baby soap. If you run out of your essentials on board, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, baby shampoo, and other essential baby supplies can be purchased onboard.
DCL is also the only cruise line to offer bathtubs in stateroom, but if the little one needs extra support, you can bring an inflatable tub as well.
Know what not to pack
On request, Disney can provide complimentary Pack-n-Play portable cribs, strollers, high chairs, diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, and sterilizers. All complimentary services and amenities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The only item on this list I might recommend you bring on your own is a stroller since they can run out.
Request purees
Freshly pureed vegetables can be specially prepared upon request, available both in the main dining rooms and through room service for your convenience.
Book time at the Nursery
If you’re looking for some adult-only time, you can book a reservation for the paid nursery during your activity booking window. The nursery takes children 6-months to 3-years-old.
Planning a Disney cruise with a 6-month-old might seem daunting at first, but with the elevated service and amenities offered by Disney Cruise Line, it can be a truly magical experience for the whole family. So, if you’re a Disney fan eager to share the magic with your baby, don’t hesitate to set sail on a Disney cruise – it’s worth every moment!
