Crossing the Atlantic With Kids: 14-Night Rome to New Jersey Family Itinerary

Midday

• Arrive at the port and check in.

• Head straight to your stateroom to drop bags.

Afternoon

• Explore the ship at toddler pace: pools, splash pad, Adventure Ocean spaces (even if AO Babies/AO Kids isn’t running yet, it’s helpful for kids to see where they’ll be).

• Quick, casual lunch at the buffet or a complimentary venue.

Evening

• Early seating in the Main Dining Room or a casual dinner spot.

• Muster drill / safety briefing.

• Optional: Welcome Aboard show if everyone is still awake.

Perfect-world scenario

• Morning: Family-friendly excursion—keep it short (3–4 hours max). Options might include a simple walking tour, a visit to a nearby town, or a gentle scenic outing.

• Afternoon: Back on board for naps, pool time, and ship exploring.

• Evening: Simple dinner and early night.

If the port is canceled due to weather, this becomes your first “bonus sea day” with extra pool time, kids’ club, or a family movie.

Morning

• Breakfast, then open playtime in the kids’ area or splash pad (weather permitting).

• Drop older kids (3+) at Adventure Ocean for a couple of hours while adults attend a lecture, go to the gym, or simply drink coffee in peace.

Afternoon

• Nap time in the cabin.

• Ice cream and a short walk on deck.

Evening

• Family-friendly main theater show (magician, music, or variety act).

• Room service dessert and an early bedtime.

• Morning: Short, stroller-friendly walking tour of the old town or a small-group shore excursion with frequent snack and bathroom breaks.

• Lunch & afternoon: Tapas-style lunch—simple options like patatas bravas, tortilla, and croquettes are usually toddler-approved. Return early to the ship for naps and down time.

• Evening: Casual dinner on board; optional sail-away views from an upper deck.

• Morning: Family food tour or a DIY day exploring the historic center. Visit a central market, try local pastries, and wander the plazas.

• Afternoon: Playground stop or beach time if weather cooperates. Back onboard for AO Kids / AO Babies session while adults enjoy a quiet drink or a spa treatment.

• Evening: Main Dining Room or one specialty restaurant (this is a good night to try one, with an early kids’ club session or in-cabin movie for little ones after).

• Morning: Short, guided tour to The Rock of Gibraltar with monkeys and viewpoints. Keep it tight and manageable; the bus-access version is easiest with small kids.

• Afternoon: Back on board for lunch and naps. Late-afternoon pool or splash pad session if weather allows.

• Evening: Family show or live music in a lounge. Bed.

• Morning: Breakfast, then AO Kids / AO Babies so adults can join trivia, a lecture, or simply sit on deck with a book.

• Afternoon: Family activities like mini-golf, bumper cars, or walking the promenade. Quiet cabin time with books, stickers, or iPad episodes.

• Evening: Theme night in the dining room (White Night / dress-up night) with family photos afterward.

• Morning: Disembark and either visit a local playground and waterfront area, or explore an indoor/outdoor market for snacks, fruit, and a leisurely wander.

• Afternoon: Simple tapas lunch, then back to the ship for nap time.

• Evening: Casual dinner and early night—this is your last port before a long stretch of sea days.

These days start to blur in the best way. Give each one a loose “theme” to keep things fun.

Day 9: Pool & splash day

• Morning: Pools, splash pad (diaper rules vary—check signage), and deck time.

• Afternoon: Nap, then balcony or promenade walk with snacks.

• Evening: Family movie on deck or in-cabin. Simple dinner.

Day 10: Adventure ocean focus

• Morning: AO Kids for older children / AO Babies session for littles. Adults enjoy the spa or thermal suite.

• Afternoon: Arts & crafts or family-friendly activities listed in the daily planner.

• Evening: Main production show (think “The Book”–style large stage show if available).

Day 11: Parents’ date night

• Morning: Low-key morning—sleep in as much as kids allow, late breakfast.

• Afternoon: Nap, then more AO time for kids. Parents rest or enjoy a tasting (wine, gin, coffee).

• Evening: Kids’ club / AO evening session while adults have specialty dining (steakhouse, Wonderland-style concept, or sushi). Nightcap at a quieter bar.

Day 12: Active day

• Morning: Try one “marquee” activity like iFly, North Star, or mini-golf (age/height restrictions vary).

• Afternoon: Nap and then a family walk around the jogging track or indoor spaces.

• Evening: Live music in the pub or lounge; optional late-night comedy for adults if childcare is available.

Day 13: Last full sea day

• Morning: Pack in short bursts (20–30 minutes at a time) between kid activities so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

• Afternoon: One last AO session or pool visit. Grab final photos around the ship.

• Evening: Farewell dinner, goodbyes to favorite crew members, and finishing packing.

Morning

• Early breakfast in the Main Dining Room or buffet.

• Disembark in assigned time slot. Have one bag devoted to “day-of-travel survival” (snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and one or two small toys).