Cruising with a toddler is always an adventure, but when a ship advertises itself as having family-friendly amenities, you expect certain accommodations to make the experience enjoyable. Unfortunately, Celebrity Edge fell short in many areas for families with young children. While its sleek design and modern amenities shine for adults, toddlers were left with few options for entertainment, dining, and comfort.
The Toddler Experience: Minimal & Misleading
Celebrity’s Camp at Sea program promises activities for kids, but for toddlers, the offerings were shockingly sparse. The designated toddler area was barebones, lacking engaging toys or structured playtime options. Parents hoping for a well-equipped space where little ones could safely explore were met with disappointment.
Dining posed another challenge. Unlike other cruise lines that offer kid-friendly options at buffets, Celebrity Edge did not. Staples like chicken tenders, simple proteins, and fun cereal weren’t readily available for toddlers, and broken high chairs made mealtime even more frustrating. However, when we did find a chef and asked about chicken tenders, he brought over a fresh, hot and huge plate of them! So we learned to just get to the buffet a bit earlier to avoid a meltdown during the wait.
Entertainment? Not Really for Families
Even the ship’s entertainment schedule made things difficult. Many of the Theatre on Edge performances, including the faster-paced ones that could have been enjoyable for kids, conflicted with dinner times or ran too late past bedtime, making them essentially inaccessible for families with toddlers.
For parents hoping their little one could experience some onboard magic, the scheduling made it nearly impossible—leaving families with limited evening entertainment options.
The Sleeping Setup: Not Designed for Toddlers
The mini-pack and play provided for sleeping was a major letdown. While it might work for an infant, a toddler approaching two years old was far too big for it, making sleep arrangements uncomfortable at best. Families needing properly sized cribs or alternatives were left with no viable solutions, which made nights onboard more stressful than necessary. Our only options were putting our toddler on the uncomfortable floor, or letting him cosleep which means less sleep for the adults in our case and not something we prefer as it makes transitioning back at home much harder as well.
The Few Silver Linings: Infinite Edge Verandah & Magnetic Walls
While most toddler-specific amenities were lacking, the Infinite Edge Verandah turned out to be a surprising highlight. The enclosed, convertible space made it safe for ocean viewing without the worries of a traditional balcony—an unexpected win for families looking to soak in the stunning scenery.
Another perk? Magnetic walls in the stateroom, which became an instant toddler play area for magnetic toys and imaginative games. While not exclusive to Celebrity or the Edge, this small detail offered loads of entertainment in an otherwise challenging toddler experience. We had packed magnetic animals, mini Magnatiles and magnetic people to add play time to the cabin, and they were a huge hit.
Crew & Fellow Cruisers: A Mixed Bag
While a handful of crew members were warm and welcoming toward our kiddo, they were the exception rather than the norm. There was no clear effort to make families feel accommodated beyond the bare minimum.
Perhaps more noticeable was the reaction from fellow cruisers. Aside from a few friendly guests, it was obvious that having a cheerful toddler on board was not something most passengers appreciated. Celebrity Edge is, at its core, a ship built for adults, and that sentiment was reflected in the atmosphere.
Exploring Alaska with a Toddler
The Alaska itinerary provides numerous opportunities to introduce toddlers to nature in a fun and accessible way:
- Ketchikan: Families can enjoy the Lumberjack Show, totem pole parks or a scenic stroll along Creek Street, where colorful buildings and boardwalks create a vibrant setting.
- Juneau: Take a gentle boat ride to view whales or visit the interactive Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, where kids can explore exhibits.
- Skagway: The White Pass scenic railway is a great way for families to experience Alaska’s beauty without excessive walking.
Tips for Smooth Sailing with a Toddler
- Pack Essential Snacks & Supplies – While the ship has ample food available, having familiar snacks and toys can be a lifesaver during excursions or other downtime.
- Bring a Lightweight Stroller – The ship is stroller-friendly, and a compact stroller will make exploring ports more manageable.
- Embrace Relaxation Time – Make use of open play time, quiet lounges, or your veranda for calm, sensory-friendly downtime.
Final Thoughts: Not the Best Ship for Toddlers
While some cruise lines go out of their way to welcome families, Celebrity Edge is not one of them. If you're sailing with a toddler, be prepared to bring your own entertainment, find alternative dining solutions, and make do with limited sleeping options.
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