Californiacruizers

I use MAC Studio Fix liquid. It also contains SPF and lasts all day.

Please note that some of the posters who are having the issues in this thread are not located in the US. They seem to be in Ireland and another in the UK. What is available to US posters may or may not be available to those posters.

I understand your point(I checked prior to my response, didn't want to give any misleading information:)). Secured cards are offered in Ireland and in the UK; just as they are in the US.

Nassau has cobblestone streets and sidewalks. I have seen people in both types of chairs getting around the town with ease. The only consideration would be if you wanted to go onto the beach; not sure if a power chair would be able to navigate the sand.

On our recent cruise the cruiseline, had these modified chairs with special wheels that worked in sand, they had staff to help with these or families could use them on their own.

I would suggest that you get a secured credit card. Since your trip is next June you have plenty of time to obtain one. It works pretty much the same as a debit card, yet gives your the protection of a regular credit card. A secured card will not require a credit check, however you have to secure the funds of the credit limit that you are requesting. For example you would pay $300.00 upfront to the secured credit card company and in return your credit limit would be $300.00. This type of card is easy to get from any bank or financial institution and also insured by the FDIC and reports to the credit reporting agencies.

I would NOT use a debit card, since the cruise line will place a hold on the card for "projected expenses" and the hold may not be released up to 30days after your travel.

Or you can also opt to pay a cash deposit for all expenses when you board the ship.

Thanks for your replies. I am now planning to take the one we currently have. It seems like its better to safe than sorry. Our current stroller is lightweight and is a tab bit larger than an unbrella stroller. It also reclines so I'm sure that will come in handy at somepoint for a quick nap.

Hello all! I have a cruise booked from my sister on the Norwegian Star and i have so many questions. If anyone could help I would greatly appreciate it! It is to honduras, belize, and two stops in Mexico. We have the specialty dining and I'm not sure what this entails.

 

Do we make reservations for all dining places? Yes, you will need to make reservations for the specialty Dining, you can do this online via your NLC account or you can make reservations once you are onboard, by calling from your cabin, stopping by the resturant, or at the service desk.

 

If we don't want to do an excursion, what is are our options? any tips or suggestions? Excursions are not mandatory. You can explore the ports on your own; you will find plenty to see and keep your entertained while in port. Or you can even remain on the ship on port days.

 

 

My travel experience is Disney World, myrtle Beach, and Virginia so I am definitely in over my head!!!!

Trying to decide if a stroller is a must have on our next cruise. My dd will be 3.5 years old at the time of sailing. On our previous cruise we had a very nice lightweight stroller, which was very useful when in port and on the ship. My dd is quite tall so the stroller is somewhat of a tight fit for her now. I am trying to decide if I should buy a new stroller or simply refrain from brining this time. I just dont want to be get stuck having to carry a 3.5 year old in the hot humid climate.

Have you considered the swim suits that have the life vest/ floats built in? I am considering something similar for my 3 year old. I Have seen older children in them as well. The arm float see so uncomfortable.

something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00003ABUR?psc=1

I sailed with and without passports for me and my children an official birth certificate is fine, however it must be the original document not a photo copy.

Here's a note of caution: At several of the ports all passengers were “REQUIRED” to take their passports (birth certificates if you were traveling w/o a passport) and Photo Id with them. Customs would not allow you off the ship without it. You had to present it to the Customs agent both getting on and off the ship. This was in the Bahamas for Freeport and Nassau. Both were beach days for us, I felt really uneasy about losing an original US Birth Certificate in a foreign country or worst having it stolen. For unlike a passport you can call and alert the US Department of State and have it deactivated or flagged as lost or stolen.

This time around I have opted to travel with passports for everyone.

We sailed on the Norwegian Sky last April. The one night my son attended the late nite fun zone, they were showing a movie. All the kids 3-12 were together. Let me clarify... the kids club consisted of two large playrooms joined together so there was a movie playing in one room and the kids (any age) who were interested in the movie could watch the movie (I also believe they served snacks) and connecting door was left open so if the kids wanted to play, draw, read books (any age) they were able to do so in the adjoining play room. The kids could also go back and forth between the rooms as they pleased. There were staff members in both rooms. For all other times if an activity was scheduled for a particular age group NCL would not allow “ age bumping” my daughter was almost 3, she was fully potty trained, and attends preschool and fully understood the concept of following directions, sitting at a table and participating in group activities. However when you sign your child in their pictures and info comes up on the screen; so they know the child’s age and would not allow her to participate with the 3 year olds. My daughter is very tall for her age so I was hoping they would not notice but the check in system tells the actual age. It was a bummer for us because she felt left out I begged, they refused. This time however she is 3 and is looking forward to the kids club.

Dining alone with a toddler on a cruise is no different that dining at a restaurant on land. I sailed with my 2 year old previously (as a single parent) it really was not a problem. Since my daughter is on a bedtime schedule, I would opt for the earlier dinner time; there is nothing worse than having a sleepy toddler meltdown in a restaurant. Pack a few small toys that the toddler can enjoy during dinner. Order your entire meal at once, so that the child does not have to endure a 3 course dinner serving. For example when our waiter came to the table I would order appetizers, entrées and dessert. This ensured there was no long wait in between courses.

They're going to regret that when they see how much my 12 and 10yos can eat! They put most adults to shame.

My thoughts exactly!!! My 12 year old son is almost 6 ft tall and weights about 180lbs, He's build like a linebacker and eats like one too. My 3 year old daughter is pretty tall too, she LOVES shirmp and will eat till she's sick.

I dressed my 2 year daughter and 12 year old son up for formal night, I was so glad I did as it was ooprtunity to get a really good family picture with everyone in their dressyattire. The kids were treated like royalty. I didn't buy anything special, however I packed "church" (a dress with lace socks for my daughter,and dress shoes, and black slacks, white long sleeved dress shirt for my son, and a tie). The little one was on her best behavior during dinner as she was prentending to be a "grown-up" for the evening. :)

Yes, I got it this morning when logged into my booking on princess.com.

I was under the impression, that Ebola was no longer an issue. I wonder if someone on board has been recently treated for Ebola and that was the reason for the warning.

I am traveling to Roatan in March with via the Princess Emerald with my 3 and 12 year old. Any ideas on what can be done in port with both kids? Any recommendation on a beach or tour?

I booked the Tulum Excursion via Princess. I will be traveling with my children who are ages 3 and 12. For thoes of you who have gone before, do you foresee any reason this would not be idea for my 3 year old? It's $214.00 for the 3 of us, I would rather not spend the money if the smaller child would have any difficulty on the ferry or touring the ruins.

I have the same consideration; my 12 year old will miss 3 days of School in March. Perhaps you can get assignments from their teachers and have them complete them on the drive to the port or on the drive back home. I hope no one "flames" me for this suggestion. It's simply an option to consider.

My vote would be for the CCL Dream on 12/12

I have sailed as a single parent with my toddler and pre-teen. There were indeed several other single parents onboard. I would see them in passing or our toddler would play for a few moments in the pool. I met the people on my cruises roll call here on CC but we all were too consumed with enjoying our vacation with our loved ones that no one suggested any group activities. Personally, the last thing I want to do on a cruise is endure a play date with someone I have never met before. (I’d much rather relax and play/entertain my child(ren) on my own.) I’m sure you will find plenty to do with you little one.

My two year old daughter was afraid of them. On NCL they always has stickers for Eyes or Glasses on. Granted she was afraid of it, she would walk in the room and began fighting with the poor towel animal until it came apart, and then cry because it was then only a towel. I tried my best to snap a few pics with no luck.

Thank you all for your responses. For the most part everyone in my party have children with the exception of one or two people. The children vary in ages my 3 year old daughter is the youngest of the children. With the exception of 2 individuals we all live in Los Angeles and are only 25 mins away from Disneyland. I figured a 4 day would be ideal since we all have different school/work schedules. We have all sailed other lines before, and from what we have heard DCL is the “Best Family Cruise Experience Ever”, I have to admit I had a bit of sticker shock, but from what I have read/heard DCL is work the price.I am going to look into a DCL travel agent. Hopefully this will be a memorable trip for us all.

Thank you again for your responses.

Hello Everyone,

Several friends have been talking about a possible Disney Cruise. On a whim I volunteered to pull some information together for our group of perspective travelers (What have I gotten myself into). I have cruised before yet never on Disney. A handful of us reside in Los Angeles, but I am not thrilled about a Costal or Mexican Rivera Cruise. I personally love love love the Caribbean. I have a few questions for those of you who are familiar with DCL and have planned or be part of a group of travelers:

1.) Would it be best to book via DCL or with a travel agent?

2.) Are group Discounts normally offered?

3.) What is the experience like for anyone sailing DCL without Kids( we have a few in the group who have yet to experience parenthood) ?

4.) Will we get the biggest bang for our bucks on DCL?

5.) Will 4 days on DCL really give one the time to really unwind?

Thank you all in advance for your replies.

I have cruised as a single parent with my 2.5 year old daughter( and my 12 year old son) I would suggest that you locate your ships roll call here on cc and find out if there are other single parents or families with children your child’s age on the same ship, you can arrange to meet in the playroom.

Cruise lines vary in terms what activities are offered for younger children. Most require children to be 3 years of age in order to be dropped off in the Kids Club. However children under 3 typically have a designated play room where the parents are required to stay and play with their child.

I packed a few small beach toys for my little one, and a beach mat, which I tucked below her stroller and used on Beach Days. I also had a blow up pool ring that she used both in the ships pool and in the ocean.

My 2 year old had lots of fun and is still talking about her trip to the “HA MASSS” (Bahamas). She is now 3 and asks daily are we going on Vee- Cation (Vacation).

I am sure you and your child with have a great time.

Hi

 

We are sailing on NCL Getaway in Nov 29 and would like to receive advice on excursions and medication.

 

We have previously sailed with RC when the youngest was 6 months old and at that time, we were just happy to be on the ship but now that the kids are a bit older(6 & 3), we thought maybe we can try excursions but not sure what will be good for the kids.

 

We will be departing from Miami then Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town, and Cozumel.

 

Many of the excursions available from the cruise line seems to have age limitation of 4 and up (like best of ocho rios) and if we could get any advice on appropriate excursions for our family, it will be greatly appreciated.

 

Another thing we need help is with medication. Other than fever, pain, allergy medication, what other medication will be helpful to have on the cruise? The kids weren't sick last time on RC but I heard that Getaway is rockier than other ships and I'm a bit worried about the sea sickness. Is there medication that kids can take safely?

Stirrup Cay was the highlight of our trip when sailing on the NCL Sky. I packed a blow up floating ring for my 2 year old and she used it for hours on Stirrup Cay. Your children might enjoy the Hippo slide on Stirrup Cay. However there is a fee to use the slide, I would suggest that you only buy a few rides down the slide vs. paying for unlimited usage. There are other floating mats and rings that you can rent on Stirrup Cay. I highly recommend you rent a clam shell, as there is limited shade, for the little ones to rest as the day goes on. Pack a few sand toys from home and the kids will have lots of fun at this particular location. I haven’t been to the other ports of call mentioned in your post.

As far as medications I packed the usual pain, fever, cold, and allergy. I also packed things for an upset stomach and anti-diarrhea just in case the little ones ate something that didn’t agree with them. (From what I hear I if you have an upset stomach onboard and seek medical attention or seek to buy medicine for an upset stomach; they will immediately quarantine you.) Seabands and kids' Dramaine, will help sea sickness.

Based on my experience; NCL will allow the older child to participate in the toddler playroom. The older child may not be able to play in the kids club without being dropped off as they normally have fun structured activities going on that all the kids participate in. Group games competitions etc. For example one of the activities on our cruise was a circus that the kids all were a part of, they dressed up as clowns, dancers, jugglers etc. At this time all of the kids were involved in the circus activity none were playing on their own. However if you older child wants to play alone, then she could play in the toddler play room as long as you are there with the younger child. The toddler play room is connected to the main kid’s club area there is a door that connects each. The baby play room has lots of puzzles, games, toys, coloring paper, crayons and books. There are also windows which you can look into and see what’s going on in both rooms.

When leaving the ship, be sure to bring a snack and water for the kids. I packed zip lock bags and would pour dry cereal in them during breakfast so that my 2 year old had something to eat while off the ship. I also would bring water juice (everything you would normally pack in a diaper bag). There so much to do in each port, you can walk around the tourist areas and walk to local beaches. We did not take any tours which required driving, however we still found ways to enjoy ourselves. To be honest we got off the ship and kinda followed the crowd. Once on the beach I unpacked my beach mat and sand toys that I brought from home this was much better for the younger child vs. having to rent a beach chair. My 2 and 12 year old splashed in the water and played in the sand until they were tired and hungry. We then walked back to the ship for lunch.

All children must be potty trained for the pool; however I did see some little ones in the pool who were about 6 months or so. My daughter was potty trained at the time, so the pool was not an issue. The water was actually really cold, so we did not use the pool much. However my daughter did in fact like the hot tub (which was always crowded). You can bring a small blow up pool and fill it up on with water for the younger kid to play in. There was an area on the NCL Sky in the very front of the ship that had a "Toddler Splash Pool" it was a very small pool with about 4 inches of water in it. Kids were splashing around with buckets and other water toys. Some were in diapers and none of the staff or parents said anything. This pool was indeed drained and cleaned each night.

No need to bring bedding unless the kids are attached to a favorite blanket. I bought a small blanket from home for my 2 year old. The pull out couch was more than enough room for my 12 year old son who is already 5"6 and is 160 lbs. Since you have a balcony you can sit ready or play a quiet game while the light sleeper napped. Or enjoy the ship with the non-light sleeper, while one parent stays behind with the light sleeper.

If the smaller child is in diapers bring disposable diaper bags. Magnets which the kids can play with on the cabin door(great distraction while you are all getting dressed).

I bought a small blow up floating ring at my local dollar store and my 2 year old LOVE it. She sat in it for hours at the beach and kicked wore herself out. Bring small books and toys for the kids to have during dinner service. Don't forget Sippy cups and water shoes for the little ones. Also pack a sweater or light jacket it is chilly in the dining areas of the ship.