From Jet Lag to Gelato: Our Family-Friendly Route to Rome & Back by Sea

Why we chose “fly to Europe, sail home”

Long-haul flights with small children are often the hardest part of international travel. We decided to front-load the challenge: fly to Rome, enjoy our time on land, and then sail home, letting the ship ease us (and our jet-lagged toddler) back to our time zone.

This route gave us a few key advantages:

• We tackled the time change at the start of the trip, when everyone is fresh and excited.

• Our days in Rome were active and immersive, with plenty of gelato stops and stroller-friendly wandering.

• By the time we boarded the ship, we were ready for a slower pace, predictable routines, and someone else doing the cooking and cleaning.

• For families who want both a big European moment and a gentler return home, this kind of itinerary is a sweet spot.

Settling into Rome at toddler pace

Our Roman chapter was all about balance. We stayed in a central, walkable neighborhood so we could access major sights without long transfers, but we gave ourselves permission to move slowly. Mornings were for sightseeing—think piazzas, fountains, short visits to iconic landmarks, and plenty of open-air space where our toddler could safely toddle around.

We avoided trying to “conquer” the Colosseum and Vatican in one day and instead grouped experiences into manageable chunks. A typical day might look like: a leisurely breakfast, a short outing to see one or two major sights, a playground stop, lunch, and then back to the hotel for naps and quiet time. Late afternoons were for wandering through side streets, finding gelato and people-watching in a piazza.

What surprised me most was how welcoming Rome felt to families; high chairs might be inconsistent, but warm attitudes, flexible kitchens, and endless outdoor seating more than made up for it.

Vatican golf cart tour

Roman Forum private tour

Colosseum

Transitioning from city energy to shipboard calm

Boarding the ship in Civitavecchia felt like stepping into a different phase of the same story. Instead of packing up and flying home, we rolled our suitcases onto the ship, walked into our stateroom, and instantly had a “home base” again.

The first couple of days still had that “busy” feel—exploring the ship, attending muster drill, figuring out meal routines, and checking out the kids’ spaces—but the overall vibe shifted from city buzz to ocean calm. Our toddler adjusted quickly to the new environment: a familiar crib, the same friendly faces in the dining room, and daily walks around the promenade deck helped her settle into this next chapter.

Royal Esplanade

Boleros

Port days as gentle “bonus chapters”

On this particular sailing, our ports felt like bonus chapters added to the main story. Each stop offered a different flavor: an old town to wander, a waterfront promenade to stroll, a cable car ride, a local playground, or a short food-focused tour.

We approached each port the same way:

• Decide on one main goal (viewpoint, neighborhood, food experience, or short tour).

• Confirm logistics: how we’d get from port to town, stroller vs. carrier, bathroom, and snack options.

• Plan to be back on the ship earlier than we would without a toddler, to preserve nap time and avoid overtired meltdowns.

• This mindset turned port days into low-pressure adventures rather than all-out sightseeing marathons.

The crossing home: where we caught our breath

The transatlantic portion itself became our “cool-down” period. Sea days blended together in the best way: long breakfasts, stroller walks, soft play spaces, kids’ club sessions, and early nights. With the time change gradually shifting as we moved west, we weren’t battling jet lag at home—we were adjusting as we sailed.

This is where a ship really shines for families: you get the predictability of routines, the variety of daily entertainment, and the comfort of seeing the same crew members who learn your child’s preferences (and quirks) quickly. By the time we arrived back in the US, we felt more rested than we ever have at the end of a major international trip.

Skypad

Gibraltar

• Plan your Rome stay with location in mind: A central, walkable base is worth it with a toddler, even if it means a slightly smaller room.

• Build in “nothing time”: Leave white space in the schedule both in Rome and on the ship—toddlers need it, and honestly, adults do too.

• Pack light but smart: Prioritize a good carrier, a compact stroller, a small travel medicine kit, and familiar sleep comforts over lots of toys.

• Consider early dining: Earlier seating or buffet dinners are more forgiving with small kids, especially on busy days.

• Treat the cruise as part of the itinerary, not an afterthought: Think of the ship as a moving resort that’s just as important to your experience as the cities you visit.

• Work with someone who knows both sides: Combining a Rome stay with a transatlantic sailing involves more moving parts than a simple round-trip flight. An advisor who understands both can smooth out flights, transfers, pre-/post-cruise hotels, and cabin selection.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Rome page.