In this guide
  1. Traveling with babies and children
  2. Traveling with older adults
  3. Sources
General information, not medical advice. This guide explains common options and official guidance. It can't account for your health, medicines or itinerary. Talk to your own doctor or pharmacist before your cruise. Medical disclaimer.

Multigenerational cruises are popular, and children and older adults have a few extra things to plan for. Start with our core packing list, then add the items below. Your pediatrician or doctor can tailor this to your family.

Traveling with babies and children

Check the cruise line’s infant age rule

Cruise lines set minimum ages for infants. For example, Royal Caribbean requires infants to be at least 6 months old on the first day of the cruise, rising to 12 months for transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii and other selected sailings, and for any cruise with 3 or more consecutive sea days. Infants who don’t meet the policy are denied boarding (Royal Caribbean: International Age Policy). Other lines have their own rules, so check yours.

Water safety

The CDC calls drowning a leading cause of death among travelers. Its advice (CDC Yellow Book: Traveling Safely with Infants and Children):

  • An adult who can swim should be within arm’s length of infants and toddlers in or near pools.
  • The supervising adult should focus on the child, without distractions.
  • Children and weak swimmers should wear a life jacket when boating (consider bringing your own).
  • Use protective footwear in marine environments.

Kids’ health kit

The CDC’s travel health kit chapter suggests, for children:

  • Medicine for pain, fever and allergy, with a syringe or medicine cup to measure
  • Age-appropriate insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Safety equipment such as a flotation device
  • Digital thermometer

Ask your pediatrician which products and doses are right for your child’s age and weight.

Vaccines

CDC destination pages list routine vaccines and some itinerary-specific ones; for example, CDC recommends an early MMR dose for infants 6–11 months traveling internationally, and hepatitis A for infants 6–11 months going to some Caribbean destinations (CDC: Jamaica). Your pediatrician can advise.

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Traveling with older adults

Fitness-to-travel certificates over 70

According to the CDC, since 2023 many cruise lines require a Certificate of Medical Fitness to Travel before embarkation for people over 70, regardless of whether they have a chronic condition (CDC Yellow Book: Travelers with Chronic Illnesses). Check your cruise line’s rules early so there’s time to see your doctor.

See your doctor 4–6 weeks before

The CDC recommends older travelers see a healthcare provider at least 4–6 weeks before leaving, and mention chronic conditions, all medicines, and the fact that you’re taking a cruise. Routine vaccines for older adults include pneumococcal, shingles and annual flu (CDC: Older Adults and Healthy Travel). The cruise chapter also mentions RSV vaccines for eligible older adults (CDC).

Why it matters

About half of the people treated in cruise ship medical centers are over 65, and while cardiovascular problems are about 3% of visits, they account for about 80% of onboard deaths (CDC). Falls are also common (12–18% of visits).

Seniors’ health kit and documents

  • All medicines for the trip plus extra, in the carry-on (CDC: Older Adults)

  • Weekly pill organizer and a written medicine list (generic names)

  • A copy of your EKG if you have heart disease or are over 50 (CDC travel health kits)

  • Spare glasses, hearing aid batteries

  • Non-slip shoes

  • Insurance details. Medicare generally doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. (see insurance guide)

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Sources