Do they have babysitting on board?

Most contemporary cruise lines cater to families with children and almost always offer babysitting services; however, availability can depend on the destination and time of year. Cruise lines with limited facilities for children may not provide a children's program or babysitting services unless a certain number of children are onboard. Cruise lines that do not cater to children may not offer any babysitting services. Ask your Vacation Consultant to check with the cruise line about the policy in place for the specific cruise you are considering. Most contemporary cruise lines offer babysitting in a group-style format in the children's room. These are conducted by the Children's Program Counselors. Toddlers and older children often have playtime before retiring to individual, sheet-covered mats while watching videos with the other children. Infants are rocked and placed in individual cribs. Some cruise lines offer this for free while others may charge a small fee. Babysitting services are offered during certain evening hours when the children's program is not in operation, but generally not on the first or the last night of the cruise. Babysitting during daytime hours is usually offered only while at sea, but a few may have more flexible hours.