Not all itineraries are available for children under 1, so be sure to check with the cruise line for the cruise you're considering.

Info: www.cunard.com; 800-728-6273

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

MINIMUM AGE TO SAIL: 12 weeks

WHY THEY'RE GREAT: The Little Mermaid-themed Flounder's Reef Nursery (available on both Disney ships) caters to children 12 weeks to 36-months-old, offering infant swings, assorted Hasbro toys, board books, arts and crafts for toddlers and even a one-way viewing window for parents.

Toys that were mouthed by children get thrown in the ''yuck-bin'' to be cleaned and sterilized before becoming available to the next child.

In addition to the drop-off service, family hours allow parents to enjoy the nursery's toys and amenities with their children. The ratio of counselors to children is one to four for infants, one to six for toddlers.

Nursery spaces fill quickly. Book up to 10 hours of nursery time through Disney's website before you cruise, register for additional hours (if available) once onboard. (Cost: $6 per hour for first child; $5 per hour, each additional child.)

Children 3 and older (or those close to 3 and potty-trained) can participate in the Oceaneer Club (free) where kids get to make their own chocolate chip cookies, climb on an indoor pirate ship, and put together a giant Mr. Potato Head.

Children in swim diapers can splash about in the moon and star themed fountains in the toddler pool recently added to Disney Wonder. Each night, dining room servers give children a Disney themed activity-sheet and crayons.

BUNKING WITH BABY: Disney's staterooms are 25 percent larger than the industry average. Deluxe inside and outside staterooms are 214 square feet and include a privacy curtain that separates the two sleeping areas, allowing you to switch on a light without waking the children. The 304-square-foot deluxe family staterooms with verandas sleep up to five.

Unlike most sofa beds that take up precious floor space when converted to a full-size bed, Disney's sofas convert to a twin bed. The pull-down bed above the sofa makes a bunk-bed set up that can comfortably be left set up all day, making mid-day nap times a cinch.

Unlike almost all other cruise lines, most Disney cabins include full tubs -- a big plus for bathing babies and toddlers. The Disney channel (of course) is included on stateroom televisions.

TINY TOT ESSENTIALS: Graco Pack n' Plays and Diaper Genies are available for use, gratis. Huggies disposable diapers are sold in gift shops along with two brands of formulas, bottle liners, diaper cream and baby sunblock.

The kitchen can prepare pureed fruits and vegetables upon request. A limited number of strollers are available for use through guest services.

CAVEAT EMPTOR: With only two ships (two more are scheduled for delivery in 2011 and 2012), destinations are limited. In-cabin baby-sitting not permitted; however, babies and children can be cared for in the children's centers at night. There is a television in the nursery, so be sure to inform staff if you don't want your little one in front of the tube.

Disney ships have no casinos and the adults-only entertainment district is rarely crowded or open much past midnight -- not that many of us parents of young children stay awake that late.

Info: www.disneycruise.com; 800-951-3532

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

MINIMUM AGE TO SAIL: No minimum

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