If you’ve ever flown with small children, let alone two the same age, you’ll know that the idea of “holiday” doesn’t always start when you leave the house. For many of us, especially those travelling with twins, the holiday actually starts when you’ve unpacked, the kids have settled, and you’ve finally had a sit down without needing to leap up mid-sip because someone has lost a shoe/snack/stuffed rabbit.
*This is a collaborative post
Now throw in a fly-cruise, where you fly to a port abroad to board a cruise ship, and you’ve got a whole new layer of logistics. And yet, despite the extra step, fly-cruises can open up so many destination options. From Mediterranean sunshine to exploring Norway’s coastline, many cruise itineraries involve flying out first.
So the question is: can you fly and cruise with little ones in tow… and still start the holiday smiling?
Here’s what we’ve learnt so far, the practical, the honest, and the “wish I’d known that sooner” kind of tips.
Table of Contents
Before You Book: Timing Really Is Everything
One of the biggest things to consider when planning a fly-cruise is flight timing. If you’re flying out on the morning of embarkation, everything needs to go perfectly, and we all know that with children (especially twins!), perfection isn’t always the norm.
If you can, consider flying out the day before your cruise departs. It gives a buffer in case of flight delays or cancellations, and it gives your little ones time to rest before setting sail. Some cruise packages include a pre-cruise overnight stay in a hotel near the port, which is worth considering.
The extra night may feel like a faff to plan, but honestly, it can make the whole experience feel less frantic. And that alone can set the tone for the rest of the trip.
Airport Logistics with Twins: Our Essentials
Airports are overwhelming enough without trying to manage a double buggy, hand luggage, snacks, and two small humans who both want to run in different directions.
Here’s what’s helped us:
- Use a double stroller all the way to the gate (and label it clearly, not just with your name, but something easy to spot)
- Pack a slimline travel changing kit – compact, easy access, with enough nappies/wipes for the flight and delays
- Carry a lightweight blanket – good for naps, spills, and random airport floor play
- Split tasks with your partner if you’re not travelling solo – one manages bags, one manages twins (it’s not foolproof, but it helps)
- Snacks, snacks, and more snacks – you already knew that though!
Check with your airline about liquid and baby food rules. Most still allow baby milk, food pouches, and water for toddlers, but rules can vary slightly.
In-Flight Entertainment (That Doesn’t Rely on Screens)
We’re not against using tablets or phones when necessary, let’s be realistic. But if you’d rather not start the trip with too much screen time, or if your twins don’t sit still for long, here are a few tried-and-tested options:
- Sticker books and window clings
- Reusable colouring mats (like the water-based ones)
- Pop-its or other sensory toys
- Finger puppets or mini soft toys for storytelling
- Simple card games for preschoolers
Most importantly, rotate what you give them and keep a couple of surprise items for when energy dips.
What About Sleep?
If you’re flying during nap time, hooray, maybe one or both of them will sleep. But be prepared for the fact that flying is overstimulating. Even the most chilled toddler might not nap, no matter how tired they are.
We’ve found it helps to stick to their normal comfort cues, favourite blankets, dummy or comforter, bedtime story if you can manage it. Even if they don’t sleep, the routine alone can help them wind down.
And if they’re not napping, take it in shifts. One parent walks the aisle, the other takes a breather. Tag team like it’s a sport (because sometimes, it is).
Getting from Airport to Port
After landing, you’ll need to get to the cruise terminal. Some packages include transfers, and that’s definitely worth checking. If not, look into local taxis or private transfers in advance. The last thing you want after a flight is to be Googling car seat hire or port directions with tired toddlers.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Ask your cruise provider or travel agent if child car seats are included in transfers
- Have the port’s full address printed or saved offline
- Keep emergency snacks and a change of clothes accessible, just in case
Some ships sail from ports near major airports (like Barcelona or Rome), while others may involve a longer transfer. If you know the transfer is going to be more than an hour, planning for a mini “in-car entertainment kit” might save your sanity.
Final Thoughts: Is It Doable?
Honestly? Yes, but only if you approach it with flexibility, patience, and realistic expectations. Flying before a cruise adds an extra step, but it also opens the door to some amazing places that you can’t sail to from the UK.
With twins or young children, there will always be bumps, tired tantrums, missed naps, unexpected toilet stops, but that’s true whether you’re flying to Italy or driving to Cornwall. The key is preparation, breathing space, and knowing that sometimes it’s OK to ditch the perfect plan and just go with it. Going with companies such as Bolsover Cruise Club eases this pressure.
Because in the end, when you’re standing on the deck watching the coastline disappear, little hands in yours and sea air brushing your face, you’ll feel it, that sense of, “We made it. We’re really on holiday now.”
