Tips for a First-Time Cruise with Kids: A Solo Mom’s Honest Experience

Sailing to Ensenada on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

Let’s be real for a second: cruising solo with two kids under the age of 9 sounds like the plot of a reality show—equal parts thrilling and mildly terrifying. So, I thought I’d share my First-Time Cruise with Kids as a mom traveling solo with her two little kids!!

So when I knew I was finally taking a cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico with my 8-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son, I was equal parts excited… and wondering if I’d completely lost my mind…I even told my friend that I was less nervous about driving around Iceland for two weeks than I am taking my kids on a trip for three days on a cruise…even after traveling to more than 30 countries with my kids.

But here’s the thing: it was magical.

This was my first real cruise—not counting my time in the Navy (which, let’s be honest, was a lot more “swab the deck” and a lot less “poolside cocktails and iFly wind tunnels”). Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas was the perfect floating vacation for this solo mama and her adventurous crew for the first time.

Whether you’re new to cruising or just wondering if a cruise is doable with two kiddos and no co-parent in tow, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything I learned—from splash zones to snack strategies—and how you can book your own stress-minimized, memory-maximized cruise with a personal touch.

Hey, before I share some great free info, could you help me out by using my affiliate links to book your trip? It doesn’t cost you anything, and it supports my blog. Let’s keep the good vibes flowing! Thanks a bunch!

Why I Chose Royal Caribbean For My First Cruise

Honestly? I wanted something big enough to have plenty of onboard options but not so massive I’d feel like I was steering a cruise ship of my own (emotionally, I mean). A good combination of lots of things to do, while also having the comfort of being able to cater to two kids needing different things at different times of the day and one mama who needs to oversee them.

Ovation of the Seas delivered. With spacious family-friendly rooms, multiple dining options, and many with 24-hour options, and the kindest staff I’ve ever met at sea (or land), I felt like I had a full support crew backing me up every step of the way.

Balancing Two Kids, Two Age Groups, and One Mama

This was the part I was most nervous about—keeping both my 8-year-old and my 1-year-old engaged, entertained, and meltdown-free…because what is available for two different age groups without a second parent to

What Worked:

• Pool Time for All: The pools were a huge win – probably the biggest win for my kids (collectively)! My toddler could safely splash and squeal while my daughter zipped down slides nearby. Lifeguards were attentive, and staff even helped me find chairs so I could be in mama-octopus mode with ease.

• Adventure Ocean & Activities Room: The supervised kids’ club gave my daughter independence and a chance to make friends, while my son and I explored quieter corners of the ship or napped in the room in peace. There’s a family activity room onboard that became our post-nap chill zone—filled with coloring, games, and fellow snack-happy toddlers.
• iFly Indoor Skydiving: YES. My daughter got to try the iFly experience, and she looked like a freakin’ rockstar! . The instructor was so sweet, encouraging her while keeping it safe and fun.

• Buffet = Lifesaver: Look, when you’ve got a baby on one hip and an 8-year-old who loves the phrase “I got it, mom, I can do it” on the other side of the table, a cruise buffet is a sanity-saver.

💡 Pro Tips for Solo Cruising Moms

1. Book the right stateroom: Get a room with easy stroller access and close to the elevator (trust me, your post-nap self will thank you). I don’t tend to use strollers – but that’s my preference. Having a room you can easily slide in and out of is absolutely key!
2. Use the Royal Caribbean app: It helped me keep track of daily schedules, dining options, and check in on Adventure Ocean availability. I used this term several times while on the cruise – it felt like the floating version of the hotel in “Dirty Dancing”. There is ALWAYS something going on around the ship for all ages!
3. Pack smart: Bring a soft baby carrier AND umbrella stroller, plus a reusable cup with lid, everyone needs to hyrdate when you’re playing this hard!
4. Check for family-focused shore excursions: Ensenada’s walking tours and beach options were surprisingly toddler-friendly.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: The cruise staff? Actual angels. From holding a door to helping me juggle baby gear and soft-serve cones, they were there when I needed them most.
6. Bring closed-toed shoes: This is where we messed up big time; there were several activities I couldn’t join in on because I didn’t bring closed-toed shoes. I’m thankful my daughter brought hers so she could participate but that was a learning experience for me.

Port Day in Ensenada, Mexico

We kept it simple and sweet. A short local excursion while my baby napped in the carrier, enjoyed shopping at the local stores (off the main tourist strip), and ended the afternoon with some delicious local food.

We skipped a full-day tour, but there were a ton of options that felt kid-accessible. If your toddler can handle a little more motion, consider the La Bufadora blowhole tour or a short cultural stop in the town center.

🎟️ Want to Cruise Too? Book with a Real Mom Who Gets It

If reading this has you saying, “Okay wait—this sounds doable (and dare I say… fun)?!” then friend, you’re ready.

And good news: I now help other moms book cruises through Curated Cruises for Moms Who Wander—and yes, that’s my real booking link!

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Final Thoughts: Would I Cruise Again Solo with My Kids?

Absolutely. Was it exhausting at times? Of course. Did I have moments of questioning my sanity? You bet. But we made memories—splashy, salty, sunshine-soaked memories that were worth every packed snack, every poolside meltdown, and every “Mom, look!” moment.

Cruising as a solo parent is more than possible—it’s empowering. And with the right ship, a good plan, and maybe a secret stash of lollipops… it might just be your favorite vacation yet.