KillaFee

We cruised this past May on the Breakaway with our then 20 month old and had a blast!! The best piece of advice was to bring a shower curtain and magnetic hooks to go around the pack and play that the ship supplied, that way she would sleep and not be distracted by us at night. It sounds weird but actually looked halfway decent as it was a nice fabric curtain we happened to already have and we purchased the magnetic hooks on Amazon for like $10. The ceiling is metal so the hooks just stuck right to it, allowing the curtain to be a divider between the pack and play and our bed. She would occasionally get confused and wake up and end up in our bed, but it was nice that she could go down at 7pm and we could sit out on the balcony or on the couch and not have to go to sleep at 7 as well.

We had a family mini suite so it was really nice having a tub but not necessary, in my opinion.

We brought a bunch of the take and toss cups and utensils and disposable bibs for mealtimes. We primarily ate in the main dining rooms instead of buffet because it was easier to get served but by the end of the week she was pretty over it, haha. We made sure to put our room service breakfast requests out the night before so we would have milk, cereal, coffee (for us, lol) and fruit, and yogurt delivered first thing in the morning, which was extremely helpful. Even if we decided to have a sit down breakfast after, at least she had milk and some breakfast if she wanted it first thing. It was also handy to keep some extra milk and cereal in the cabin for other times of the day.

We had a fabulous time and she got a ton...TON of attention from the staff. The staff love babies, from what I gathered, and are pretty accommodating. You just have to roll with changes that might happen but since you already have a baby, you probably already know this!

Laura

Sorry, forgot to post link to magnets

 

40LB Magnetic Hooks - Powerful Heavy Duty Neodymium Magnet - 4 Hook Set - Great For Your Refrigerator And Other Magnetic Surfaces - Super Strong And W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N0NCZ88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_eKRLsvqxAS9Zh

 

 

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Awesome, thank you!!!!!!!

There are NO separating curtains on the Breakaway. It's a shame and I don't understand why they didn't put them in there....at least in the "family suites".

So bizarre!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even when I've cruised with my mom in the past we've used the curtain on a nightly basis. So strange that they'd make a cabin without them.

We used to do this at the WDW Value hotels, we separate the sink area from the room area. Works like a charm. Someone can shower, someone can get dressed behind the curtain and the others watch TV.

 

 

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This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you, everyone, for your replies!!!!!!

Laura

I cruised with my then 10-month-old son and 3.5 yo daughter for the first time in February 2015 and brought the same high-powered magnets (as mentioned above) and made a "baby room" for my son. AMAZING!

 

We had an alarm clock with sound machine which did double duty since most rooms don't have alarm clocks. Also bring a power strip (without surge protector as per cruise line policy) to plug extra electronics in.

 

We also brought a clear over-the-door shoe organizer that we attached to the wall with aforementioned magnets to keep baby shoes, charger cables, diapers, wipes, toys, you-name-it within easy reach. We had an umbrella stroller which saved us, plenty of disposable bibs and travel size dish soap to wash our bottles in the sink as well as detergent to wash necessities in the sink.

 

There are a few Pinterest boards on this topic which I found amazingly helpful.

 

Don't forget ziplock bags for pilfering snacks from the buffet. And a couple of toys for the beach. Also brought the inflatable tub for bath if you don't have s suite.

 

We are going on our second cruise with the kiddies in two weeks and getting psyched. Good luck!

 

 

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Sailing on the NCL Breakaway this Sunday with our 20 month old and would like to do the room separator thing with magnets and sheet. What type of magnets and where did you order them? I'm thinking amazon but not sure which ones or how many to order.

Thanks!!!!!

My husband, 22 month old daughter, and parents will be boarding the BA on Sunday. Whohooo!

My husband and I are trying to plan a date night or two sans toddler and trying to decide between Burn the Floor or Rock of Ages if we see a show. Thoughts?

Also, recommendations for a fun date night ? We love cocktails and checking out different venues and have the UBP. Thinking of one night out in Bermuda and another night out on the ship perhaps seeing the ice bar, the waterfront, dinner, and a comedy show? Aggghh to many options! Anything you think we shouldn't waste our time with? Also, does anyone have the margaritaville breakfast menu?

Sorry for all of the questions. Experienced cruiser but first time with a kid and grandparents!

Thanks,

Laura

Headliners can only be booked onboard. And you can only book the comedy shows. The easiest way is using one of the touch screen kiosks in the public areas. Pick your show, scan your card, and you're booked.

 

Early shows are family oriented. Late shows are 18+

Fabulous. Thank you!!

Thank you! Email headed your way!:)

Just getting off Breakaway today. Main theatre never seamed full. Always seats down close to stage and off to the sides. May appear full because isle seats get taken.

 

Non reserved for shows in Headliners could be tougher to get seats for.

Going on the Breakaway next week. How does one get reservations for Headliners? I'm on the website and it's only offering booking for Burn the Floor, the Cirque show, and Rock of Ages.

We'll be on the Breakaway next week (whohooooo!!) and we're booked in a family mini suite balcony cabin and will be traveling with our 20 month old toddler. I recall on RCCL cruises there were generally curtains separating the bed area from the "living room" area but I see that these don't exist on NCL cabins.

The thing is, our kid is a creature of habit, which is AWESOME because she sleeps from 7pm - 7am, giving us plenty of time to enjoy our adult time relaxing on the balcony, watching tv in the bed, etc....

I've read that some people pack magnetic hooks and a shower curtain and to create a separate space?? Basically we just want to be able to still hang out in our room and the balcony while she sleeps and I don't want to bring a bunch of extra stuff if I don't need to but if this is a "thing" that people do.....how many hooks are we talking? Any photos of a successful division of rooms? I guess I'm just having trouble visualizing this curtain thing working and don't want to pack a bunch of stuff if it's not going to work.

Thanks!

Laura

Hmmm...unless you have already eaten there and love it then go for it, if not, I would consider Cagney's or LeBistro for the ONLY night you have together. Far more romantic with far better food,

Thank you! I'd love to try those options, but it appears they don't have very many vegetarian options. I've been one for 20+ years and don't want to have to compromise and deal with just having a salad or sides when I'm paying big $$ for it. Unless of course there IS a vegetarian option I'm not seeing....id definitely rather go to those places!!

Hi,

Sailing on the Breakaway May 7th! Trying to make a few reservations and we'd like to dine outdoors at La Cucina and would like to specify that on the reservation since it will likely be our only date night (cruising with a toddler, haha). Is there any way to do this in advance or put a note on the reservation? Thanks!

Laura

Hi! Long time cruiser, first time NCL cruiser. We are going on the Breakaway on 5/7 and have booked a family mini suite. Does this category include complimentary room service or is there a surcharge?

Thanks!!!

Laura

Thank you to everyone who kindly responded to my question!

My husband and I were just looking at photos and features of the Summit, dining, specifically, and we are curious if there's a place to pick up a slice of pizza, or quick snack on-the-go anywhere other than the buffet?

Also, the AquaSpa Cafe Menu looks good, but is it only available to people staying in Aquaspa suites? I'm aware that it's in an adults only area, but can we just pop in and grab something or no?

Thanks!!!

Laura

Hi!

 

Four years ago we cruised to Bermuda on the Summit with our son, his wife and our 1 year old grandchild. The experience was a very good one for everyone!

 

We were able to grab two of those very large aft family veranda stateroom with a separate (with a door!) livingroom area and a supersize verandah. Try to get at least one of them, the corner one if possible as there is a hallway between the two doors that give access to the stateroom. A very useful place to store the stroller! The only downside was that on a M-Class ship it is impossible to connect the verandahs but we survived! On a S-Class ship, look for a larger verandah and for connecting staterooms as verandahs can be opened.

 

The verandah was utilized a lot: we brought outside the park'play, we installed an inflatable pool for the baby to have some fun, we order meals from room service... The floor outside is very rough and I knew that prior departure; so I packed a very inexpensive tarp to be used as the "play area" in order to avoid the baby to harm herself while playing. A very useful thing! We also bing a smaller inflatable pool ($1) that fit into the shower area for bathing easily the baby. Bring a light inexpensive pump to ease the operation of inflating those things.

 

Forget the whole pool area: it is a lot too noisy for a baby and plan your day otherwise.

 

On formal nights in order to let other passengers enjoy their evening, we ate on the balcony: it was a very wise decision as the baby was able to play in the park'play and appeared to appreciate receiving some treats from the table. Don't forget to order everything you need as you will receive only what you ordered. Eat the main course first (you can order two plates!) and then the salad or the appetizer. Believe me: lambs chops eaten with fingers are better!

 

We then put the baby to sleep and enjoyed all together the evening on the verandah or we stayed there alone while our son and his wife had some "time off" on the ship. Bring something that will able you to listen to the baby while sitting on the verandah.

 

When we had meals in the dining room, we took turns to bring the baby outside for a little while and brought her back around the table before her next "private excursion" outside. No problem at all and a lot of smiles from everyone around.

 

Prior departure, we had ordered baby food and everything we ordered was in a box in the stateroom. Bring everything else you need as you will not find any "baby stuff" on the ship and you cannot presume that you will find ashore what you need.

 

Four adults can easily take care of a baby and still find ways to have a wonderful vacation. It might look like you have to bring a lot of things but those little extras will make a HUGE difference in the comfort of everyone.

 

As grandparents, we would happily repeat the experience.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you for the very detailed review! I appreciate all of your thoughts and you have some very good points! We were JUST talking about the pool deck and how it could be problematic. I hadn't thought of that, because we live on the ocean and figured she'd prefer the beach, but my husband kindly pointed out that she'll be taking swim lessons in a pool when she's 6 months so she MIGHT want to swim when she sees a big, beautiful pool on the ship. Yikes! Luckily this ship is in port 5 out of 6 days so it shouldn't be too much of an issue, I hope. Thanks again for the info! :D

Laura

We just got off the Reflection in December with our (then) 7 month old and 3 year old. I liked that ship better than the Constellation (sister Summit ship) that we were on with our then 18 month old. It was easier to navigate with a stroller, the buffet area was also easier to get around with her. The staff loved her and the kids club was nice to bring her to to play for an hour or so a day. We also let her crawl around and play on the grass area on the Reflection, which she enjoyed. You'll have a great time and the staff (and most passengers) will be happy to see your little one.

Thank you for the comparison!!! Very informative!

We have stayed on the Summit several times. A standard cabin has a chair close to the sliding glass door to the balcony. A Concierge class has a sofa. You will appreciate the extra space. It is a larger cabin. You will like that with baby "stuff".

We were on a two week cruise to Canada with twin toddlers. The parents were clueless. They always came to dinner 15-20 minutes late, and the kids screamed. They thought it was fine.

 

I asked a crew member if there was a chance they could get a baby sitter, and was told if they are in diapers, crew couldn't change them for privacy concerns, so no sitters.

 

You want to feel sorry for the parents, but they sure put a damper on dinner for a lot of people. I felt they should have used different venues for dinner. The children were very unhappy. The buffet would have given them faster food, and that might have helped hungry kids.

,

Yikes! Yeah I have no problem getting out of there when she makes so much as a peep, or at least coming up with a solution to the situation, such as walking her around to calm her down or something. I'm so paranoid of being disruptive! The only place we won't have control will be on the plane. There's no escape. Agh!! I'm glad to hear that you like the Summit. As of right now we're leaning towards that ship!

Laura

You need to use a capital D to make them: :D

I did! And then it keeps making them lowercase as though it's trying to correct them. Sigh. I'm even pressing the smiley face button! Oh well. You'll just have to use your imagination that I'm smiling like that big toothy green faced little guy.

1) I love your retorts to some of the comments

 

2) We had an oceanview room and celebrity provided the packnplay - The just wrapped the base "mattress" in a standard sheet - if you want one that is an exact fit you would need to bring it.

 

We left it set up all the time...so depending on nap times we didn't need to call someone or set it up ourselves....we were able to move it enough to be able to sit on the couch or use the desk (not at the same time)

 

The cruise was very enjoyable...some of the things we did (more so for the benefits of others)

 

1) We brought disposable floor mats (Neat Solutions Disposable Floor Topper) - Got them on Amazon

 

This way if our little one was a little messy at meals we were able to clean up from it - We also used these at home - restaurants were VERY thankful

 

2) While at dinner specifically - little one was only able to sit for about 30-40 minutes before getting cranky so at that point my wife and I switched off walking around the ship with him (near the dining room) for about 15 minutes while the other one finished up -

 

We also did early seating and the dinning room staff was great about getting our meals quickly because of this

 

3) Celebrity does offer in room babysitting - @ $20/hr which is for 2 people - We only used this one night but it was nice to know it was an option

 

The biggest thing was we had no expectations - and played everything by ear so that we weren't disappoint if we could do something

Thank you thank you thank you for even more tips!!! We're definitely willing to roll with a "different" type of vacation than what we're used to. It's time! We've been selfish and lucky enough to have enjoyed several adults only vacations prior to having our daughter so we almost welcome the change! My husband loves a good challenge. I'm only nervous for the plane ride, but that's another story!!!

One more question: Did you bring a car seat for cab rides? I'd imagine we will have to have it?!

Thanks again! We'll be packing all of the things that you mentioned!!!

Laura

I loved the Summit. I think it's a great ship, even if it's older. I also happen to love Millennium class a bit more than Solstice class. I will say that when I was on her there were quite a number of parents with children under the age of 5. (At least 5 families.) It was also one of the rarities where it seemed all of the children were VERY well behaved! :)

 

With that said, if you love itinerary, that (IMO) is what the focus should be on.

Thanks for the info! I typically like somewhat smaller ships so this might be the right one for us. I tend to feel overwhelmed at all the extra things that they throw on these new ships lately and get stressed that I won't be able to see it all. I like the basic feeling of being on the ocean on a ship, enjoying fabulous dinners, and getting sun. We are big island people so I'd hate to do one with a crummy itinerary. I've done the st lucia, st martin, st thomas, barbados, antigua itinerary before and LOVED it but my husband has only been to half of those islands so it would be nice to exolore with him and our daughter had been a pretty good traveler so far!!! Thanks again!

If having your child be able to go in a pool on board is important to you, please reconsider Royal Caribbean' s larger ships, as they are some of the few that have dedicated space for non toilet trained children.

Thanks! We're definitely not interested in RCCLS ships. I'm very familiar with them and they are just too "fun" for me now, I suppose. We're in the point of our lives right now where our daughter is young enough that we can take her places that don't have to be "kid centered" just yet, thank goodness! Once she's a bit older I'm sure we'll consider RCCLs ships!!! Thanks! We don't plan on taking her in the pool - I know babies in pools on cruises are frowned upon, lol!! We live on the ocean at home so she's more of a beach baby. ;):D

We did Summit this past March with our then 18 month old.

 

I would tell you that I think either ship will be fine - it is more so what you plan on doing. We were just going to get away / not doing any excursions or anything - really a dry run for longer / other cruises.

 

Here are a couple of recommendations

 

1) umbrella stroller - much easier to navigate ship with

 

2) Fabric Shower curtain and magnetic hooks (can get at Target for <$10) to put around pack n' play for nap time / evenings

 

3) Back Pack with Teether - Allows little one to walk around with some freedom - also helpful to carry one or two diapers rather than the entire diaper bag

 

4) Disposable diaper bags - Armnhammer - these are great in general as well

 

5) BE FLEXIBLE - realize that your normal at home schedule probably will not be the same on the ship - just role with it

 

6) Tot time in play area is nice change of pace (usually a 45 minute window mid-late afternoon)

 

7) Bath Time - we were with my folks who had a suite so we did bath time in their tub - if you don't have this as an option - most suggest a small inflatable tub

Thank you for the tips! I really appreciate your input! Did you bring a pack and play or do they provide cribs? I'm very interested to see how the 3 of us will fit in a standard balcony cabin, but I'm sure it can be done!!! Overall did you enjoy your cruise or was it super chaotic? We're hoping that it will work out since my parents are going and we'll be able to get a break every now and again. Did you like the ship? Thanks again for your advice!

Hello everyone! I've come here for a bit of advice. So it's been a while since I've been on the boards because for the past 4 years or so my husband and I have been mainly doing All Inclusives with the exception of a terrible Carnival Cruise thrown in for good measure, haha. We typically go on 2-3 vacations a year but now have a 4 month old so we have to plan our vacations a lot more carefully now!! We are planning on doing a Celebrity cruise in Dec of 2016 and will be traveling with our daughter, who will be 16 months at the time, and my parents. We're definitely doing Celebrity because to be honest, I feel that I've outgrown Royal Caribbean. I'm in my early 30's and have been cruising since I was 8, so I've been on just about every line but mainly RCCL. We are looking for a bit of a more refined, upscale experience from Royal. I'm trying to decide between the Summit, which has an amazing itinerary, or the Reflection, which has a less attractive itinerary, but obviously is a newer, more exciting ship. Has anyone else out there traveled with a 1 year old? Any recommendations or thoughts between the two? Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated!!

Thank you in advance!

Laura

We took the Conquest out of NOLA a couple of years ago and can honestly say that it was our least favorite ship and least favorite cruise. That being said, a vacation is what you make it. If you can have a good time in a 4 x 4 room with your cruise mate for a week then why was being on this ship so hard? That is why the MDR is open. Thank you for the review. Perhaps you should book a vacation on a remote island somewhere away from people that might irritate you.

Whelp! We had a good time, but we would have had more fun in a 4 x 4 room at home. And yes, we do prefer remote islands for sure. Way more romantic than a cruise, if that's what you're looking for (and we are!) ;)

That's exactly how we felt on the Splendor- just couldn't wait for it to be over. We did enjoy the MDR, and we spent a lot of time on our balcony. Thought we were done cruising too, but we just booked another one on the Pride. I do like that ship.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one, lol!! We would just look at each other and throw our arms up as if to say "what are we doing wrong? Why are we disliking this so much when we ALWAYS have fun no matter what?!"

That's great that you're going on another one. I think I will too one day....after all I DID enjoy over 20 of them!!