Cunard Cruise Lines doesn't always immediately evoke a "Let's bring the kids!" response from Cruise Line Fans. However, Cunard ranks highly amongst all cruise lines for being infant and child friendly. Minimum ages to cruise vary slightly depending upon the type of cruise. Transatlantic voyages require that your child be at least 1 year of age, while other voyages have a minimum age of just 6 months. Be sure to check with the cruise line or your travel agent just to be sure.

Honestly, the services offered for infants and children aboard the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria are paramount to all other cruise line and here's why: Complimentary child care. Nannies are available for all children above the age of 1 year. Late night babysitting, onboard nurseries, toddler treasure hunts, pajama parties are all available for your little one to enjoy. Please note that there is NO in-cabin babysitting service available. However, its the only cruise line that I am aware of that offers a complimentary child care service which includes the dreaded diaper change!

Queen Mary 2 has a 3- to 4-foot-deep "Minnows" pool for families, plus a 6- to 12- inch-deep splash pool for smaller sailors. If there is one drawback to Cunard and cruising with young children, it might be said that there are less resources devoted to young children on the decks of the ships than on other lines. However, a trip to Children's Tea served in Kings Court every evening with balloons, artwork place mats, crayons and kid-friendly treats, makes the lack of kid-centric play areas seem unnoticeable.

Cunard staterooms range in size from 155 to 248 square feet and include small refrigerators. Princess Grill Suites include daily bottled water and fruit baskets, free of charge. Bed configurations vary for third and fourth passengers within a stateroom. Some have double sofa beds; others include single sofa beds with a pull-down bed above the sofa. Pack and Play are provided for in room use, upon request.

The kitchen staff at King's Court Restaurant will happily blend food for a small child to eat more easily and there appears to be a decent sized menu for those toddlers now eating solid food.

A word of advice: Bring diapers, wipes and lotion: The on-board stores do not carry these items. (Hint, hint, Cunard.)