Cruising and Tours with Kids: Car Seat Policies & Tips

Written by the blog team • Last updated May 5, 2025

Family cruises and guided tours offer unforgettable memories—but keeping your child safe means knowing each mode’s car seat rules. From storing seats in your cabin to shore‑excursion transfers on buses without seat belts, this guide covers everything you need for worry‑free travel on sea and land.

Watch: Tips for Cruising Carnival with a Toddler

Bringing Car Seats on Cruise Ships

Storage and Cabin Use (e.g. cribs vs. seats)

Most major cruise lines—including Carnival—allow you to bring your own car seat onboard and store it in your stateroom. According to Carnival’s “Traveling with Infants and Toddlers” policy, “Car seats may be brought on board and stored in your stateroom” :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Keep harness covers and loose parts in a labeled bag to avoid misplacing them amidst luggage.

Port Arrival and Excursion Considerations

When you dock, you’ll often transfer from ship tender boats or shuttle buses. Plan ahead:

• Use strollers or carrier frames for toddlers—these can be rented onboard or stowed in your cabin.
• If bringing a car seat ashore, request a vehicle with a proper seat belt or LATCH anchor.
• Consider renting a taxi or private car at port that can accommodate your seat properly.

Shore Excursions and Transfers

Bus/Van Tours (typically no seat belts)

Most shore‑excursion buses and vans lack child‑safety anchors or even seat belts. CruiseCritic members note, “Ship’s excursions use buses or big vans with bench seats…no carseats can be installed” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. For these situations:

• Opt for private transfers in licensed taxis or minivans with seat belts.
• Bring a portable booster or harness vest approved for use in motor vehicles.
• Limit bus tours to short trips or passenger rail options where available.

Renting Taxis or Cars at Port

At many ports, you can pre‑book taxis or car rentals with child seat options. Look for services advertising “child‑seat equipped” vehicles, or email ahead to confirm availability. Baggage fees at cruise terminals are typically waived for children’s car seats.

Other Travel Modes (RV, Train, etc.)

RV/Bus Car Seat Installation

In RVs and charter buses, seat belt configurations vary dramatically. Always:

• Verify each seating position has a three‑point seat belt before installing a car seat.
• Use vehicle belts only—LATCH anchors are rare in RVs and large coaches.
• Perform the 1‑inch test: the seat should move less than an inch side‑to‑side at the belt path.

Rail and Ferry Travel with Kids

For trains and ferries, regulations differ by operator:

• Trains: Most passenger trains lack seat‑belt systems. For toddlers, use a secure harness vest during travel and hold smaller infants in approved carriers.
• Ferries: Vehicle ferries offer car seat use if you remain inside your car; on passenger decks, seats rarely have belts—keep infants in carriers or hold them securely.

Conclusion

Whether you’re sailing the high seas or exploring ports of call, understanding cruise ship car seat policy and tour‑transfer limitations ensures your child stays safe and comfortable. Store your seat in the cabin, avoid bench‑seat buses, and choose taxi or private transfers when possible. Armed with these tips, your family cruise will be both fun and secure.

References

• Carnival Traveling with Infants and Toddlers: Car seats may be brought on board – help.carnival.com :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Tips for Cruising Carnival with a Toddler – YouTube: BFPsuJlVX-Y :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Shore‑excursion bus seat belt issues – CruiseCritic boards: boards.cruisecritic.com :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}