Cruising with a Broken Arm? Don’t Cancel Just Yet!

Just days before our long-awaited cruise vacation, our daughter Morgan fell and broke her arm.

Like most parents, our first reaction wasn’t excitement—it was panic.

“Should we cancel?”

“Will she even have fun?”

“Is it safe to travel on a cruise with a broken arm?”

If you’re asking those same questions, take a deep breath.

The answer is yes—you absolutely can still enjoy an incredible cruise vacation.

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While your vacation may look a little different than originally planned, it doesn’t have to be disappointing. With a little flexibility and a few adjustments, your family can still make unforgettable memories without putting your child at risk for further injury.

We’re currently preparing to sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas, and instead of focusing on what Morgan can’t do, we’re choosing to focus on everything she can do.

Here’s exactly how we’re adapting our cruise.

First Things First: Check with Your Doctor

Before boarding any cruise ship, make sure your doctor clears your child (or yourself) for travel.

Ask about:

• Swimming restrictions
• Lifting limits
• Whether the cast can get wet
• Pain management while traveling
• Activity restrictions
• Follow-up appointments after returning home

If your doctor says you’re good to travel, you’re already halfway there.

Shift Your Mindset

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is this:

A broken arm doesn’t have to ruin your vacation.

Instead of chasing every thrill ride onboard, we’re slowing down and enjoying experiences we may have overlooked before.

Sometimes the best vacation memories come from simply spending quality time together.

Safe Cruise Activities We’re Looking Forward To

Even with a broken arm, there are plenty of fun things to do onboard.

Trivia Games

Royal Caribbean offers trivia throughout the day.

It’s one of our favorite family activities because everyone can participate regardless of physical ability.

Live Entertainment

Broadway-style productions

Ice shows (to watch—not participate!)

Comedy acts

Musicians

Game shows

There’s always something happening in the evenings that doesn’t require physical activity.

Outdoor Movie Nights

Watching a movie under the stars with popcorn and ice cream?

Yes, please!

These relaxed evenings are perfect after busy port days.

Mini Golf

Morgan plans to use her unaffected arm.

Will she score as well?

Maybe not.

Will we laugh a lot?

Absolutely.

Corn Hole

This is another easy adaptation.

Simply throw with the opposite hand.

Who knows—you may discover a hidden talent!

Ping Pong

We’re keeping this light and casual.

No tournaments.

Just friendly family fun using the unaffected arm.

Arts and Crafts

Many ships offer craft sessions, coloring, bracelet making, and creative activities.

These are excellent options for children recovering from injuries.

The Royal Escape Room

Escape rooms are more about teamwork and problem-solving than physical strength.

This quickly became one of our must-do activities and was also our favorite activity on this trip.

Cruise Duck Hunting

If you’ve never heard of cruise duck hunting, you’re missing out!

Passengers hide small rubber ducks throughout the ship for others to find.

It’s become a favorite activity for many cruise families and gives us a fun reason to explore every deck.

Shore Excursions We’re Choosing

We’re also modifying our port days to keep Morgan safe while still enjoying each destination.

Cozumel: Relaxing at Mr. Sanchos

Instead of an active excursion, we’re planning a relaxing beach day at Mr. Sanchos.

The goal is simple:

• Good food
• Ocean views
• Family time
• Plenty of shade
• Minimal risk of reinjury

Sometimes slowing down is exactly what vacation should be.

Costa Maya

Rather than choosing adventurous excursions, we’ll spend time:

• Shopping
• Getting hair braids
• Walking around the port
• Enjoying the atmosphere

Not every port day has to be packed with adrenaline.

Pro Tip: Go see our friend, Grodo, on the back side of the cruise port shopping center. Go early because he gets busy in the afternoon. He has been braiding Morgan’s hair for years, and we highly recommend him. His work is amazing!

Activities We’re Choosing to Skip

As much as we’d love to do everything, some activities simply aren’t worth the risk.

We’re avoiding:

• Kids Club
• Teen Club (except for just hanging out)
• Rock climbing
• Ice skating
• Archery
• Laser Tag
• The FlowRider
• Basketball
• Pool deck running and slippery areas
• Waterslides
• Any excursion with a high chance of falling

These activities will still be there on a future cruise.

Protecting a healing arm comes first.

A Few Extra Tips for Cruising with a Cast

Here are a few things to pack that may make life easier:

• Waterproof cast cover (if approved by your doctor)
• Sling for walking through busy areas
• Children’s pain medicine (or prescribed medication)
• Ice packs that can be refrozen
• Extra padding for sleeping comfortably
• Hand sanitizer
• Medical documentation, just in case

Because of the location and nature of the break, Morgan is not in a cast.  We will take things extra carefully and make sure she wears her sling at all times.  We also plan to board elevators carefully and avoid crowded stairwells whenever possible.

For more packing tips, check out our Top 5 Accessories For Cruising.

Remember: Your Child Will Feed Off Your Attitude

If you’re disappointed the whole trip, chances are your child will be too.

Instead, celebrate what they can do.

Take lots of pictures.

Play games.

Eat dessert.

Watch sunsets.

Laugh together.

Your child probably won’t remember missing the rock wall.

They’ll remember spending time with you.

Our Family’s Goal

We’re choosing not to let a broken arm define our vacation.

Will things look different?

Absolutely.

Will we make amazing memories?

Without a doubt.

Vacations aren’t about checking every activity off a list.

They’re about spending time with the people you love.

And that’s something a cast can’t take away.

Final Thoughts

If your child recently broke an arm and you’re wondering whether to cancel your cruise, don’t assume your vacation is over.

Talk with your doctor.

Make a few adjustments.

Choose activities that are safe.

Slow down.

Enjoy the journey.

Your cruise may end up being one of your family’s favorite vacations—not because everything went according to plan, but because you learned how to make the best of unexpected circumstances.

Has your family ever traveled with an injury or unexpected challenge? I’d love to hear your story! Share your experience in the comments below—it might encourage another family who is wondering whether they should cancel their trip.

If you’re planning a cruise and would like personalized advice, I’d be happy to help you find the right itinerary, ship, and excursions for your family’s needs. Ready to cruise and not sure what to pack? Check out our Travel Essentials packing list. Visit Hopwood Home Away From Home for more cruise tips, destination guides, and practical family travel advice.

Remember… Life’s Short… Take the Trip!