flhokie

You might want to check with some more airport hotels. Often the scheduled shuttles stop running late, but will arrange airport transports at other times (they just don't regularly keep going back and forth). Also check to see what kind of shuttles they have (van vs minibus) and if a car seat could be used/is required.

We did not sail with a car seat on DD's 1st cruise and don't plan to next time either. We are able to drive to the port so we had the car seat to/from the port, but planned/are planning either to stay on the ship or options off the ship that don't require a car seat. We might get a BubleBum to have in case of emergency and for future non cruise travels. DD will be old enough for one in a couple of months and is well within the height/weight requirements.

As for on the plane, a seat is not required. A seat or CARES might be helpful depending on your child. DD & I flew across the country & back a few months ago with her in the regular seat (she's 3) and she did great. She was too tall for CARES by the time she was 3 so that wasn't an option.

We loved Allure of the Seas with DD when she was 2! She was potty trained so she could use the regular splash area, but we were able to relax that there was an option for swim diapers if she didn't get potty trained in time (they are very strict about no swim diapers in regular pools--CDC requirement, not individual cruiseline rules). She loved the Boardwalk (carousel, balloon animals, small playground), promenade and shows.

The nursery was wonderful! We used it 1 night for dinner at Chops. DD was always with DH, me or grandparents before the cruise (no babysitters, daycare) and she loved her night at the nursery (wanted to go back). There was also a large room with a lot of larger toys and mats where we could take her pretty much any time to play. The bag of toys we were able to check out was great in the room too. We didn't do any of the parent/child programs--timing just didn't work out for us (ex. Evening story timer was at 7 & we were still at dinner).

I'm looking in to Disney now that she might appreciate it, but could not see paying the prices for a Disney cruise (same price for 4 days as we paid for 7 at the time we went) when she wouldn't know any different. RCCL gas Dreamworks characters onboard. DD didn't really know them, but had fun with them.

Regardless of some people's past experiences on board, I highly doubt that you will get any cruiseline to agree to do this in advance of sailing (especially since it is not due to developmental challenges, special needs, etc.).

Perhaps the person in charge of the kid's program might allow this once on board, but if them not doing this would ruin your vacation you will definitely want to look for a line that has 8 & 9 year olds together.

Kitkat is exactly right about them not making exceptions. Even though that ship does not have the nursery, you might want to check about availability of in room babysitting. This is usually only done on a limited basis based on crew member availability. Check with guest services as soon as you board to see if that's an option.

The bright side is that since she's potty trained she can use the pools onboard.

I'm not an expert, but from the time DD was a baby our pedi said to use Neutrogena sensitive skin. She said not to use any baby or child labeled ones--that the regular sensitive skin was best. Ever since then that's all we've used--does help that we don't have to carry multiple kinds.

Flying with DD after she was mobile would have been very rough (did 10 flights before 8 months and then not again until 3 years), but I would take that any day over a long car ride. We did an 8 hour car trip (broke it up on the way there) when she was 15 months and it was awful--very hard to keep entertained & kept wanting out of her seat. I would rather have flown (even with a connection).

I would look into sailing on Royal Caribbean. Many of their ships (not all) offer the Royal Tots Nursery for children under 3 and splash zones for non potty trained. They have ships that leave from the northeast.

DD was 2 when we sailed on Allure. She was potty trained so she could use the regular splash area. We used the nursery 1 time & she loved it. There was plenty for her to explore on the ship. There was a play area with lots of toys and a small playground on the Boardwalk. There was no way she could have opened the doors.

We are taking her on another cruise this fall (she will be 3 1/2--closer to 4). I plan to put something on the door to the hallway & use a rubber door stop overnight if she is able to open it this time.

We are booked in 11138 (3 passengers so must have at least a triple). Any thoughts on this stateroom would be appreciated! It seems like a fairly good location based on the deck plan, but I'm a bit concerned about noise level (especially since it looks like it could have an adjoining room). Any thoughts/experiences?

Has anyone used hotel day passes while docked in San Juan? Are there any hotels that do this with a fun pool & nice beach for kids? I'd love to hear anyone's experience with this.

The 2 that keep coming up in searches are the Hilton & Marriott. From what I can find it looks like they are a 5 minute drive from the cruise port. I'm thinking about either a visit to the fort or beach day with DD (3, nearly 4 when we go).

In order to have the best chance of getting it onboard, I'd bring a signed letter from the pediatrician (like the person was told to bring for formula). Since it wouldn't be in factory sealed packaging like the formula they might question/scrutinize it more. Also, you mention going in March which is the heart of spring break--cruise lines tend to be the most strict about beverages being carried onboard.

In addition to figuring out a plan to store it on the ship, you will want to consider storage during travel to the ship.

I second the pre mixed formula! When we travelled while DD was still on formula we took the individual bottles of Similac. All we had to do was unscrew the top & put a nipple on the bottle. They are pricey but it was worth the convenience. We also had the individual packets as a back up.

One person mentioned taking fruit off the ship for snacks...be cautious about this. Check before doing it as in some ports there are stiff fines for doing this. Pre packaged snacks are not really an issue to take off.

As for taxis/minivans...if you will definitely use them I'd take a car seat. You don't mention what ports you'll be visiting. Different islands have different laws about seats, but some require them. We didn't sail with DD until she was 2. We didn't want to take a car seat so we did not take any taxis/minivans. We stayed onboard in 1 port & in the port area at the other 2 (our plan for one of those was taking a water taxi to town & beach, but weather didn't cooperate). As another person mentioned, cruiseline transfers (or possibly some hotel shuttles) are about the only transportation options where car seats would not be needed. You could also possibly arrange for a car service with car seat.

It could also be a matter of perception. While the show may be inappropriate to the OP, they may have more conservative tastes than others might. The same shows that seem inappropriate to the OP may be just fine for the majority of people.

This was my thought exactly. I found everything, except Chicago (& comedy show---not available for kids), on Allure to be fine for families of all ages. I saw Chicago on Broadway & had no desire to see it again. We would have arranged care for DD (3 years old) if we had gone to see it on Allure. I'd probably consider taking her to it once she's a teenager if she was even interested in seeing it.

The one cruiseline I can think of that would have family friendly entertainment, regardless of tastes for all general shows would be Disney.

All of the mainstream lines are "family friendly"..so no worries! Carnival, RCI, Disney and NCL will probably have more "bells and whistles" for kids, than HAL, Princess or Celebrity, but even they offer a kid's club, arcade, sports deck, etc....so on any line, your kids will be entertained.

I agree completely (love RCI and would not hesitate to take DD on the others), but OP was referring to evening entertainment--said shows on RCI are very inappropriate for families.

We found Royal Caribbean shows on Allure to be fine. We took DD to the Aqua Theater shows, OceanAria and ice show. Some of the costumes were somewhat skimpy (but no worse than anything we saw at the pool). Most musical shows I've seen on cruise lines take a lead from Broadway/cabaret/nightclub shows.

We did not go to Chicago as it was not our cup of tea--saw it on Broadway & found it to be kind of dark. Is this the show you were referring to?

You might want to look in to Disney if you want to feel comfortable that all the shows/entertainment are family friendly.

Definitely try the MSC board. There are very few responses on anything MSC on here. A while back I posted MSC questions here & got very little (if any) response, but got quite a few responses on MSC board.

They might in the nursery, but not in any of the regular dining areas. We purchased a package of disposable ones (nicer plastic & can be used more than once). We also got a few sets of toddler cutlery in the dollar spot at target (still have most of them). I kept some in the bag we kept with us. Since they were all so inexpensive it wasn't a big deal if we lost any.

We went to St Thomas & St Maarten last year & will be going to St Maarten & San Juan in November. DD was 2 on last cruise & will be 3 on this one. We did not take a car seat before & don't plan to this time.

Last time we just stayed in the port areas (planned to go to town/beach on water taxi in St Maarten last time but weather did not cooperate).

This time we plan to possibly do a shore excursion through the ship in St Maarten (boat & coach bus) or do water taxi. In San Juan we will walk up to the fort/around old town.

If going to nice beaches is very important to you, see if there are shore excursions by bus or boat to them (no car seat needed in that case). They may be more expensive than just taking a taxi, but it might be worth it if you font want to bother with a car seat.

If we were planning to take taxis we'd be taking something with us to use in the taxi. You don't mention the child's age. If the child is older there are inflatable booster seats & "booster vests" that could work (DD is nearly 43 inches & 40 pounds so we've started looking at these options for travel).

Glad to hear you're having a great time! Has there been any info on the water slide--height/age requirements? I'm just trying to prepare in case DD (speed/thrill seeker) doesn't meet any requirements (so we can let her know in advance & steer clear onboard).

My wife and I have both cruised a few times before on Carnival and RC. This will be our first cruise with a child. We are going for my sister's wedding which will be on the ship. It's also our first vacation in a while so we are excited.

 

I wanted to hear from other parents who have cruised with toddlers about their experience cruising, especially those who may have cruised on Grandeur or any of the other ships in the Vision class (Enchantment, Vision, Rhapsody, Legend, Splendour).

 

I know that RC offers the RC Royal Tots program, but that seems to be just a 45 minute thing with the parents involved. I also know they offer in room babysitting. Is there anything else they offer for a 2 year old that would allow my wife and I to get away for a few hours once in a while?

 

Here are a few questions:

 

-Was it easy?

-What safety precautions did you take (I have a morbid fear of him falling off the ship which is why I bought a child's leash backpack, he's extremely curious)?

-Do they allow toddlers to swim if they have swim diapers?

-How was childcare?

-Did you use in room baby sitting?

-Did you bring your own pack'n'play or did you use one provided by the ship?

-Were highchairs readily available at dinner?

-I have heard that on RC they will take your child after 30 minutes at dinner for childcare, is this true? Is there an age limit (3 and up)?

 

Anything I might not be considering?

 

My parents and both of my sisters who are also parents as well as my grandparents will be on this cruise so we will have a lot of child care options available, which is a blessing.

We sailed On Allure with DD at 2. While it's a different ship, I'll share our experience.

- It wasn't difficult overall, but there were some challenging moments (1st night dining room ended with me leaving with DD before main course).

- Our main safety precaution was that DD was never on the balcony alone. I did have the leash, but we didn't end up using it. We only used the umbrella stroller when exploring the ship day 1 & in 1 port.

-Swim diapers are not allowed & they are very strict. We got DD potty trained before our cruise (we knew there would vibe meltdowns if she couldn't explore the entire kids pool area--Allure does have an area for diapered ones, but it is small). Pool attendants questioned the parents of any children under 3 in the pool area (easy to identify b/c under 3 don't get the wristbands those over 3 get).

-Childcare was great! We used the nursery one night & DD didn't want go leave. She loved it. They were extremely professional!

- With the nursery being so great, we didn't even consider in room babysitting.

- DD was way too big for a pack n play (we would have used theirs if she still could have slept in one). The original plan was for her to sleep on the sofa bed, but in the end, the cabin steward made her a bed on the floor each evening with the bedding. It worked out great (no worries about falling out & it took up a lot less room).

-I remember seeing highchairs in the dining room. DD was too large for one, but they did offer a booster seat.

- picking them up from the dining room is for those in Adventure Ocean (3+).

As others have said, take everything you might need (diapers, wipes, all children's medicines, etc) and be flexible.

Could you please check to what any age/height limits might be for the waterslide?

We will be on MSC in November & one stop is San Juan. We will be traveling with DD who is 3 (she will be 4 in January). I'm trying to figure out what to do there. If we dock near the old town area I was thinking about checking out the fort or a hop on/hop off bus.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Our other ports are St Maarten and Great a Stirrup Cay And I have those figured out, but can't find a lot about San Juan as a cruise port (a lot of what I've found is for people staying on the island, not quick visits).

Definitely check with your cruiseline wedding planner! We got married at sea & were able to board with candles (for unity cancel). We coordinated with our planner in advance & there was no issue at boarding.

Another thing to consider is if child will be potty trained by sailing. Allure has a baby splash area (diapers allowed). I'm not sure if getaway offers anything like this, but Celebrity does not.

We took Dd on Allure at 2 1/2. She was potty trained so she was able to use the main splash area, but if she hadn't been & there was not a baby area, we would have had to avoid the pool deck (can we say meltdown). We used the nursery & it was awesome!

For us, we would pay more attention to the ship than the ports in the Caribbean (Europe, etc would be a different story). We did not get off the ship in Nassau with DD and did not leave the port area in St. Thomas or St Maarten. We really enjoyed having the "empty" ship to explore.

Under normal circumstances you should be just fine. I'd carry it on because if they see beverages in your checked baggage there's a good chance they'll hold your luggage in the "naughty room" and you'll have to wait in line & open it for them to see that it isn't alcohol.

Depending on the port of departure & the time of year there has been talk of cruise lines/port security banning any beverages at all from being brought on board. So, if it's medically necessary, I'd contact the special needs department for a form to give permission so that you don't have issues at the port.

Do a search on Cruise Critic for Oasis of the Seas 11/26/11 - 12/3/11 Review. That review has daily planners (including children's/toddlers) and menus. The children's menu image is part way down the post and is the same menu we had last year.