Family cruises can be great, though most parents enjoy a night or two child-free. But before you assume there are complete babysitting services on your ship, here’s what you need to know about on-board babysitting.

Cruise ships are tempting for families with young kids, especially when they offer to take care of the kids for you.

But heed details of the ship’s services before you sail to avoid frustration.

On formal nights, Celebrity features Parents’ Night Out, a free pizza party babysitting service.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s babysitters won’t change diapers, so if your kid isn’t potty-trained, a parent must be available on-call for diaper duty.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, on the other hand, has free certified British nannies for kids over the age of one.

Carnival allows non-potty-trained two year olds into their childcare programs and has nightly group-sitting for kids up to 12.

Keep in mind that most major cruise lines charge about $8 per child, per hour, for these services. So budget accordingly.

Cruising not for you? What about Taking the Slow Boat: Freighter Trips?

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