magicbananas

Thanks so much to everyone who recommended the family board. I'm checking it out now.

Don't be discouraged by some less than optimal experiences with the phone reps. It happens to all of us from time to time.

Thank you. It was really a mix of the phone rep issue, plus I had received 2 emails with your basic "let me know how I can help!" message, and never got a response when I replied. While my cruise experience with Carnival wasn't the greatest thing ever, I do recall the online booking experience being much smoother.

Grandeur was our only local option, and the whole point of cruising for me was to avoid air travel. I understand it's not the fanciest of the fleet, but I'm hoping for a good time!

Thank you. :-)

Yes! She suggested I purchase my toddler a soda package for $5/day.

I am a suuuper planner, so I'm anxious when I don't know how things are going to go. Vacationing with a kid is new to me, and obviously I am not well versed in cruise planning, so what I thought would be "easy" is causing me some panic.

I may do that. I also just sent an inquiry to AAA to see if I can in fact transfer my cruise to an agent (I would have to reactivate the membership I never used).

I'm so glad to have finally posted here! I was starting to rethink even going at all.

Really?! I had no idea. I obviously haven't traveled much beyond your standard beach weekend. :-)

Hello!

I have cruised once on Carnival before, and was looking forward to trying Royal Caribbean. I'm having some concerns about communication with them, because I'm traveling with my husband and toddler. We've booked a 5 day from Baltimore to Bermuda on Grandeur through their website, and according to the FAQ, there are certain accommodations for toddlers/babies, such as a pack and play for the room, etc.

When my cruise was on on hold, I of course got the messages about "helping me purchase", but now that I've booked the trip, I can't get a response.

I did get through this morning by calling their number, but I'm not too confident the person knew what she was talking about.

I asked if I could reserve a pack and play for our room, as the website indicated I should reserve one beforehand. The rep on the phone told me I can't do that, and I need to just ask at guest services on board. I was told the same for any booster seat/high chair. This is going to be a huge issue if I get on board and find my child has nowhere to sleep or sit.

My daughter will be 18 months old, and when I asked if I needed a drink package for milk, she told me to buy a soda package. I clarified that I do not need soda, just milk and water, and she said that I don't need a package, then. However, I'm nervous that I'll get on board and this won't be case.

I didn't ask the rest of my questions on the phone, because I wasn't really getting anywhere, and I wish I had gone through a travel agent (but I'm sure I can't do that, now that I've booked, right?). The website doesn't provide much help for leaving details beyond booking excursions, either.

Can anyone help me out with any tips or advice for cruising as a family with a small child, particularly with this cruise line? I'm starting to panic a bit.