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4 minutes ago, CruiseBride926 said:

Like I mentioned our experience was with carnival but same rules about the pool and stuff so hopefully it’s still helpful. We only used the kids club a couple of times but even without that I don’t feel like we missed out on anything because of her not being potty trained. For excursions we did margaritaville (pool) and two beach days. With all that water we really didn’t miss not being able to use the pool on board. I also made sure to do some research as far as indoor facilities where we were heading so that I knew I’d have a place to change her. Other then that I don’t think it really impacted anything else we did. I think you could make it work and still have a great time.

Yeah, I have actually come to the conclusion that if he can't use the pools we still have lots to do. So thanks for that.

If we do decide to go, I also plan to have him run around naked holding a soggy wet diaper throughout the boat hoping to terrorize some of the folks on this very thread who have said some real dumb things about potty training. Wish me luck!

1 hour ago, waterbug123 said:

 

True, but there is a big difference between being potty trained and having an occasional (like maybe once a week) accident, and a parent who likes to tell themselves that their kid is potty trained when he/she really isn't.  When a child has 2+ accidents a day they aren't really accidents; they are signs that a kid isn't fully potty trained.  The OP mentioned something about the kid just getting a little wet here and there, which sounds more like the latter to me.  I worked for many years as a preschool director and you wouldn't believe the number of parents who claimed their child was fully potty trained, yet they would send the kid in pull-ups and he/she would go through 2-3 extras each day.  The parents said these were just "accidents" but they were deluding themselves.

 

This.

So that's why I'm asking because I won't be one of those parents that touts around that my kid is fully potty trained when he isn't. Note: We have a very nice in-ground pool at home. He swims in it all the time. No, he has never and probably will never poop in it (he just simply doesn't seem to like to do that thus far). Does that make him eligible to swim on a cruise? Absolutely not.

But I'm trying to gauge for instance how the camp program tolerates say an accident due to him getting over excited! And some folks have chimed in and have been super helpful. To those of you: Thank you!

Can we not make this thread about how to potty train my son or toddlers in general? It's minimally off topic and frankly, somewhat inappropriate when applied to my son. If my son is potty trained by his third birthday, great. If he isn't, he isn't.

I'm more interested in hearing testimonials from those who have been on cruises with children about his age who weren't 100%  potty trained to get an idea on its impact.

31 minutes ago, CruiseBride926 said:

Cape liberty is our closest port also however we’ve also sailed carnival out of NY and Baltimore. I would take a little longer of a drive for something that would impact my vacation so greatly. We sailed on a carnival ship with my daughter before she was potty trained and she absolutely loved their kids club.

I looked. AFAICT, there just aren't cruises sailing out of NY in the time frame I'm talking.

1 hour ago, nalatrixie74 said:

This was many years ago, so of course things change.  They told us our 3 yr old had 3 chances, if after the 3rd accident he wouldn't be allowed back.  He was potty trained,  but didn't wipe well. We had him go before dropping him off and he did well mostly.  One night he didn't wipe well, they asked his older brother to help clean him up and my son said 'no way!' They called us and were very kind. They gave him some clean shorts while they waited for us to come down.  Just try to work with him if he's ready.  Good luck! 

How long did you leave him off if you don't mind me asking? I think my idea was 2-4 hours max. Again, even if he wasn't potty trained he'd be OK minus a little wet now and then. Again, this may not be an issue in 6 months.

This seems kinda promising:

I'm surprised I didn't see in my first search. But yeah, everyone seems to be on the same page that the Kids Camp program is amazing for a potty trained 3 year old.

I HAVE THOUGHT OF THAT: Just make sure he poops in the morning, and let him play with the other kids and hope he just gets a little wet here and there in case he isn't fully potty trained yet. And thanks!

2 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

Dang. I guess it is what it is, then. The nursery, again, is very much a nursery. A few toys and the ladies will probably play with him a bit.  But it's not a fun kids program in any way. Personally, I would just wait and book a cruise when you are sure he can do the kids program. And I'm telling you this as someone who put my active almost 3 year old in the nursery, we wouldn't do it again. 

I hear you. Hmmm, not sure what to do....I was hoping someone else might have more positive things to say about the nursery.

To be a bit clearer: We aren't interested in dropping him off every single day for hours on end while my wife and I go "play". What I'm looking for are occasional breaks during our stay where my wife and I can do something fun together (maybe some planned activity) while he is still a) safe and b) entertained.

Yeah, our window for vacation is pretty strict. If we miss it, we miss it, but that also probably means nothing in 2020 which kinda stinks.

25 minutes ago, Grandma Dazzles said:

Just FYI age is based on the first day of the cruise, so if he turns 3 during your cruise he would be considered 2. Also, potty trained means totally - no pull-ups, has to be able to wipe, and go to the bathroom independently.  Good luck!

Yeah, I got that. But accidents do happen even when a kid is "fully potty trained".

9 minutes ago, BNBR said:

You don't want to put your active 3 year old in a tiny quiet nursery with no kids programs. That's not fair. Go with Carnival. 

Carnival is pretty much out because we live only an hour away from Cape Liberty.

Apologies. You are of course right! First post updated. Anthem of the Sea.

I have beautiful boy who is currently a healthy and very active 2.5 year old. My wife and I are thinking of planning our first cruise with him in March of 2020 on RC (Bahamas, Anthem of the Sea).

But here's the thing: My son is not potty trained as of today. He might be in March, but then again he might not be. Time will obviously tell.

This puts us in a bit of a bind because he will be just 36 months of age in March (maybe a week in given our current target booking date). So what does that mean? He needs to be potty trained to be in the Argonauts program (based on the RC website) but if he isn't then will he be eligible for the nursery?

We are willing to pay for the nursery but we want to be sure that a) they will take him and b) he will be mostly happy.

What do parents do with children who are in-between?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

Thanks!
 

Alex