Traveling with a baby comes with its own unique set of questions, logistics, and concerns—especially when planning a cruise. One of the most common questions new parents ask is: “Can I request a crib on Royal Caribbean?”
The short answer is yes, absolutely. Royal Caribbean is one of the most family-friendly cruise lines in the world, and they make sure even the smallest cruisers are taken care of. But knowing how to request a crib, when to do it, and what to expect once onboard is what makes your experience smoother, stress-free, and fully enjoyable.
This complete pillar guide explores every detail — from requesting a crib to baby-friendly cabin setups, safety guidelines, tips, alternatives, and real-world best practices. If you're cruising with a baby, this is the only guide you’ll need.
Royal Caribbean provides Pack ’n Play–style travel cribs, not full-size wooden cribs. These are sturdy, fully cleaned, sanitized between sailings, and suitable for:
Infants
Babies
Toddlers up to 35 inches tall
Each Pack ’n Play includes:
A firm mattress base
Fitted sheet
Side mesh for airflow
Safety locking system
No. Royal Caribbean provides cribs completely free of charge.However, they are limited in quantity, so early requests are crucial.
A Pack ’n Play can fit in most cabins, but some cabins offer much more space. These include:
Oceanview rooms
Spacious oceanview balcony cabins
Junior Suites
Grand Suites
Family-connected staterooms
Interior cabins can still accommodate the crib, but space will be tight.
Requesting a crib is simple, but the method you choose impacts the likelihood of securing one early. Here’s the complete step-by-step.
The ideal time to request a crib is when you book your cruise.
You can request:
Through your travel agent
Directly on the Royal Caribbean website (special requests section)
Over the phone with Royal Caribbean’s customer service
After booking:
Log in to the Cruise Planner
Go to "My Reservations"
Select “Special Needs” or “Special Requests”
Add the note: “Crib requested for infant”
A week before your cruise, call Royal Caribbean to confirm your request is noted.
This reduces the chances of miscommunication and ensures the crib is assigned.
When you enter your cabin on embarkation day:
Your crib may already be set up
If not, just tell your stateroom attendant
It is usually delivered within 30–120 minutes
Cruise cabins vary in size, and fitting a crib into the room can sometimes be tricky. Here are ways to make it work:
Ask the attendant to remove the coffee table
Push the two twin beds together
Move suitcases under the bed to free floor space
Choose cabins with wider walking areas
If you're traveling with an infant, consider these cabin types:
Balcony staterooms provide extra breathing space and natural light, making the cabin feel less cramped with a crib inside.
These come with:
Sitting area
Larger floor plan
Expanded bathroom
Perfect for stroller storage + crib placement.
Specifically designed for multiple guests, allowing hassle-free crib placement.
Although Royal Caribbean provides cribs, they do not provide:
Blankets
Extra bedding
Baby pillows
Waterproof mattress pads
Sleep sacks or swaddles
Always bring:
Baby’s sleepwear
Extra sheets if your child has sensitivity
Sound machine (compact one)
Baby monitor
Travel-friendly night light
Cruise cabins are safe, but adding a baby introduces new considerations.
Keep the crib near a wall but not blocking bathroom access.
It must always stay indoors.
Cruise cabin temperatures fluctuate; maintain a consistent sleeping environment.
Always ensure:
Mesh is locked
Sides are upright
Mattress base lies flat
Royal Caribbean offers many child-friendly services beyond providing cribs. These make sailing with a baby easier and more convenient.
Royal Babies & Tots Nursery accepts children 6–36 months for:
Playtime
Arts and crafts
Nap area
Professional childcare staff
Reservations are required and fees apply.
Every dining venue provides sanitized highchairs on request.
Royal Caribbean does not fully stock baby food onboard. However:
You may request puréed vegetables in the Main Dining Room
Some ships sell ready-made Gerber-style food
Formula is not guaranteed, so always bring your own
Yes, guests can bring their own, but:
It must fit within your cabin space
It counts toward your luggage limits
It must be safe and portable
Many parents prefer bringing their own due to familiarity.
Cribs are limited, especially during:
School holidays
Summer cruises
Holiday sailings
Family-themed cruises
Requesting a crib early ensures:
Priority in allocation
Faster delivery to your cabin
Consistent onboard experience
It’s rare, but can occur on high-capacity sailings. Families with newborns and toddlers often travel in groups, leading to increased demand.
To avoid disappointment, request:
At booking
Via Cruise Planner
One week before sailing
At check-in
Each stateroom is normally allowed one crib, but larger suites may allow more depending on space.
Yes. Royal Caribbean sanitizes cribs after each cruise following strict hygiene protocols.
Sometimes yes, but not always. It depends on availability and cabin turnover. Expect delivery within the first few hours.
Yes, for older toddlers. Bed rails are available on most ships on request.
Absolutely. Balcony cabins provide comfortable space for Pack ’n Play units.
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