If parents are looking for their young child to have the VIP cruise experience, a créche onboard could be the perfect place for them to spend their time. Both babysitting and créche services are available on major cruise lines however they do differ – below is an outline of the services some cruise lines offer.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s onboard activities are available for passengers from 6 months and up. Their Royal Babies programme offers 45-minute sessions for both parents and children to enjoy as a family – activities include baby gymnastics and musical fun.

On their Oasis of the Seas ship there is a nursery where parents can leave there children during the day or overnight with a charge of $8 per hour.

P&O

P&O offer a night nursery service for children from 6 months to 4 years which is available from around 6pm to 2am.

Carnival

Babysitting for babies and children of any age is offered after 10pm. These after hours services start at a charge of $6 per child.

Celebrity Cruises

Toddler time is available onboard a Celebrity cruise where parents are free to spend some play time with their children under 3. Babysitting services are available if booked 24 hours in advance – children must also be at least 12 months to be considered. The private babysitting price starts at $19 an hour which can cover up to three children.

Cunard

Most Cunard ships are well equipped with nurseries ran by child care professionals. Children must be at least 12 months to be left with the professionals and children under this age are allowed to join in any activities under their parents supervision.

MSC

MSC’s Mini Club is open to ages 3-6. Younger children are welcome however must be accompanied by a parent.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Group babysitting services are available for an additional fee, although one-to-one babysitting is not available. The Splash Academy has a group catered to 6 months – 2 years where parents must stay and supervise their child.

Princess Cruises

Group babysitting services are available for ages 3 – 12 however no services are available for children under 3.