Should parents bring their infants onboard?

[obnurse]

I have no problem with people bringing their babies on board a cruise! However, I do think parents should be sensitive to times when they are disturbing to other passengers, for example screaming in the dining room or in a show lounge. At those times, parents need to remove their children and find an alternative that suites everyone. Bon voyage to EVERYONE, including the babies!

[LARGIN]

I have no problem with people bringing their babies on board a cruise! However, I do think parents should be sensitive to times when they are disturbing to other passengers, for example screaming in the dining room or in a show lounge. At those times, parents need to remove their children and find an alternative that suites everyone. Bon voyage to EVERYONE, including the babies!

 

I agree but most parents seem to tune out the screaming and crying when they are with their kids. You see and hear it all of the time..

[beckers]

I vote no ! I don't want to be in a pool with parents dunking their babies with diapers in the pool and hearing babies screaming thru my dinner !

[cruzelovr]

So basically, it's not babies, but ignorant parents that everyone has a problem with. Why not just ban them??? I guess if you banned ignorant people from cruises, the ships would sail empty... or close to it

[Pam in CA]

I think it should be OK for parents to bring young children (or infants) on a cruise. Most of the time, it's the parents, not the kids who are the issue.

 

We took my daughter to FL every year at Thanksgiving from the time she was 4 months old -- that's where my MIL lived so we were going there for a family get-together. Even back then (1975), I was aware of the need to have the child sucking something during take-off and landing as well as giving her Sudafed for a couple of days before each flight. Even the time our 9:30AM flight was delayed until 5:30PM due to weather and we wound up traveling for almost 15 hours, everything was under control. It astonishes me that parents are clueless when they take their children on a plane and aren't prepared.

 

Even when your baby is very small, you have a pretty good idea whether they will tolerate changes in routine or might be disruptive. Use your sense before planning or taking your baby on any vacation, prepare, prepare, prepare and be considerate and aware of others.

[NitaBcruising]

I voted no, but could possibly understand someone binging a baby on a cruise for certain situations. If the whole family is going together for a special occasion, is one reason. Not an ideal situation, but sometimes can't be helped. And there would be plenty of family to help out.

 

But, to just take a cruise, for vacation purposes, with an infant, I don't believe is a very good idea. Too much hassle, too much stress for the infant, and generally not good for your next-door cabin neighbors or dinner mates! JMHO! :)

[Fuzzyape]

I also have to vote no, but that's because I don't understand the benefit from bringing an infant on a vacation. It's not like the infant is going to remember the vacation. They won't grow up and say, "Mom, Dad remember when I was 4 months old and we went on that real cool cruise, let's do that again."

 

I didn't remember anything from when I was 4 months old (I'm lucky if I can remember things from last week even now).

 

When they are older (maybe 2, but what do I know about cognitive memory in children) and they might remember the experience you bet bring them!

 

Like one poster said if the kid doesn't learn from different experiences how are they going to develop an idea of how to act in various situations.

 

Those are my 2 pennies

[MaryPoppinz]

They won't grow up and say, "Mom, Dad remember when I was 4 months old and we went on that real cool cruise, let's do that again."

 

I find this line of argument fascinating. Humans don't (generally) consciously remembers ANY of the events of their infancy.

 

But, we (ideally) nurture and care for infants well beyond their basic physical needs all the time. They are (ideally) taken to the park and to the zoo; they visit relatives and ride on the back of their parents bikes to meet the people in their neighborhood; they're talked to about pieces in museums they visit with their parents; they're read to at levels that exceed their cognitive and receptive language abilities. Why?

 

I think it's because enriching an infant's life experiences really IS important. And, while they may not "remember" the events of a cruise, their lives are enriched by travel. Any one of any age and developmental ability can appreciate the feel of the sand on the beach, the smell of the ocean, a stroll through the shops, the variety of the scenery. It's all good, and babies *need* it as much as the rest of us do.

 

Beyond that and maybe more importantly, I also think there is an intangible quality to the way that parents (people, in general) feel when they are on vacation that transmits to their children. A sense of being at peace, of feeling freed from your daily cares, and a sense of being in love with your family. I think that is worth giving to infants.

[Guest Host Tink]

So basically, it's not babies, but ignorant parents that everyone has a problem with. Why not just ban them??? I guess if you banned ignorant people from cruises, the ships would sail empty... or close to it

 

:-O Wow! Tell us how you really feel? LOL

[pray4me]

I find this line of argument fascinating. Humans don't (generally) consciously remembers ANY of the events of their infancy.

 

But, we (ideally) nurture and care for infants well beyond their basic physical needs all the time. They are (ideally) taken to the park and to the zoo; they visit relatives and ride on the back of their parents bikes to meet the people in their neighborhood; they're talked to about pieces in museums they visit with their parents; they're read to at levels that exceed their cognitive and receptive language abilities. Why?

 

I think it's because enriching an infant's life experiences really IS important. And, while they may not "remember" the events of a cruise, their lives are enriched by travel. Any one of any age and developmental ability can appreciate the feel of the sand on the beach, the smell of the ocean, a stroll through the shops, the variety of the scenery. It's all good, and babies *need* it as much as the rest of us do.

 

Beyond that and maybe more importantly, I also think there is an intangible quality to the way that parents (people, in general) feel when they are on vacation that transmits to their children. A sense of being at peace, of feeling freed from your daily cares, and a sense of being in love with your family. I think that is worth giving to infants.

 

MaryPoppinz,

 

That was a really good reply.

 

I am one to agree that it really isn't the children that are the problem but the parents who have no real consideration for others. My husband and I both have high stress jobs that require alot of hours. Cruise vacations are the best option for us to spend quality time with our now 21 month daughter. However, I must admit when we do take her on a cruise or airplane the grandparents come along as well.

 

Many of the cruise lines market to families nowadays (that is where the money is) and that includes small children. When booking, folks need to be aware of this. If you do not want children around, you need to be checking into cruise lines that cater to a crowd of adults only. As for the families traveling together, it would be nice for a little consideration of your fellow passengers and take some real intestest in handling an unruly or upset child. Just because some of us have kids ourselves does not mean we can simply look past your children's inappropriate behavior. We deserve a vacation every bit as much as you do.

[busybusybusy]

When my son was 10 mos. old, my husband and I went on a cruise without him. This was my idea - it was our 10th anniversary, and I thought it would be good to get away alone. Well, I was miserable for the first few days, until I saw another mom with her baby, around the same age as my son. The dad was nowhere to be seen most of the time, when I did run into him, he was either in the casino, up on deck getting sun, or sitting in a lounge. Every time I saw the mom, she was chasing the baby around, trying to keep him happy. I was so glad that I didn't bring my son - it was more relaxing watching her go crazy! LOL! It also made me appreciate him all the more when we got home.:)

[bjboothman]

I also think there is an intangible quality to the way that parents (people, in general) feel when they are on vacation that transmits to their children. A sense of being at peace, of feeling freed from your daily cares, and a sense of being in love with your family. I think that is worth giving to infants.

 

Honestly, I don't care if you bring your kids on the cruise or not as long as I don't have to join them for dinner, listen to them cry, or have them knock me down while they are running through the ship. I'm done raising children and it's my turn for a child-free vacation.

 

I think it's a huge mistake to believe that it's not important for a married couple to take a vacation away from the children. Most people are not at peace and free from their daily cares when they are taking children on a vacation. The parents have the same daily responsibilities and obligations on a ship as at home, except now they must perform all these duties in a room the size of a postage stamp. How restful. Perhaps a greater gift for the child is time spent in the care of a loving extended family, an opportunity to miss mom and dad for a few days - absence does make the heart grow fonder - and the pleasure of the return of a well rested, recharged, mother and dad who have taken the opportunity to renew their marriage and roles as lovers, rather than just as parents. You've heard, "when mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Just another way of looking at this choice.

[MaryPoppinz]

Most people are not at peace and free from their daily cares when they are taking children on a vacation.

 

I think that's more of a question of how you feel about your family and your roles as parents than anything, but if vacationing without your children is more enjoyable for you, do it!

[MaryPoppinz]

the opportunity to renew their marriage and roles as lovers, rather than just as parents.

 

You can renew your marriage and your roles as lovers when you're at home (in fact, I think you should), but hey, if you two wanna wait until you go on vacation to do that, that's okay, too. ;)

[NitaBcruising]

You know, I'm one of the biggest proponent of fewer kids onboard. And I dislike obnoxious kids! But, if I see parents with bored little kids, I try to help. On a Baltic cruise a couple of years ago, a mom and dad took their 3 year old daughter, as she wouldn't leave her at home, and cruised because it was her mother's 80th birthday gift. This was a really well behaved girl, and adorable. She just got tired and bored at times, not on the ship, but on tours of castles and palaces. I even took a turn holding her, I guess I was a novelty! And I danced with her on the pool deck one evening! So I can see where at times it is good for others to help, if only for a few moments!

 

See, the kid hating scrooge just proved even she doen't really hate kids! Just misbehaving ones with no parents in sight! :D

[yarlenna]

Well, I'm going to step in here with a minority vote. I'm all for people bringing their children on cruises especially infants. They have the right to travel just as we do. If you don't like children, then don't come on a boat that takes them, JMO. But! On the other hand, all of you have raised some interesting points and it will be interested to see if any of these suggestions are "heard" by the TPTB and something changes!

You say "If you don't like children, then don't come on a boat that takes them"

Which cruise line are you talking about?

[leighuf]

It doesn't matter what the results of this poll show. It doesn't matter if all of you say NO. This is a free country & Princess accepts babies and children. So, parents will continue to bring babies & children onboard. :p

[bjboothman]

I think that's more of a question of how you feel about your family and your roles as parents than anything, but if vacationing without your children is more enjoyable for you, do it!

 

I never vacationed without my children until they were out of high school. That doesn't mean I think a cruise ship is the ideal vacation setting for children. How I feel about my family and my role as a parent isn't relevant in determining what I see as an appropriate place to vacation with children. But if you find a cruiseship the ideal place for a family vacation, go for it.

 

You can renew your marriage and your roles as lovers when you're at home (in fact, I think you should), but hey, if you two wanna wait until you go on vacation to do that, that's okay, too.

QUOTE]

 

LOL, If you only knew ------ you'd be so envious of me ;)

[kryos]

I saw the recent thread about this and figured this would make a great poll. :D

I noted no, but that's only because I couldn't imagine taking an expensive vacation such as a cruise with an infant. Where's the vacation? But, then ... some parents have no choice. The baby goes or they don't. They simply have no one reliable to leave the child with. Also, some parents work long hours and want to spend vacations as a family.

 

So, as long as the parents are responsible and make sure the baby doesn't disturb others (and wreck their vacations), then bring the infant if you must and enjoy your "vacation" as best you can. :)

 

Blue skies ...

 

--rita

[coiran]

no!!!

[Linda2433]

why would you bring an infant on a cruise? What are they going to do? What are you going to do when you have to be with them all the time. I just got back from going out to dinner to a fairly expensive restaurant. I realize that children cannot be turned away they don't belong in this type of restaurant. These people came walking in with a 1 year old and 2 year old and guess where they sat right behind us. If you want to take your children to a restaurant to expose them to that type of enviroment take them to a family type restaurant. We go out every Sat. night, when our daught. was younger we went to the typical family type places, Friendly's, 99, Ground Round, Applebee's etc. If she started to cry or whatever one of us would get up and leave and take her out. I have seen many people just sit their and continue to eat while their child is screaming their head off. Tonight with these people behind us instead of enjoying my dinner all i heard was baby talk from the parents and then out of the blue shreaks from the kids, one of them screamed out , i was't expecting it it scared me then they did it again by that time if it happened again i was ready to ask to be moved except the place was packed. If you want to take your kids out fine go to a family restaurant. If you want to go out and enjoy a nice restaurant get a babysitter. As far as a cruise goes, an infant does not belong on a cruise , go to the beach to a motel, rent a condo or cottage where you have privacy for your child to cry all night long if they want to. There are some cruise ships that are designed and geared towards kids, Disney go on them when your infant get's older. If you feel you need to go on other cruises wait until your child is old enough to take or leave them at home with someone if you really need to go!

[LARGIN]

Well said Linda..

[totallynewtocruising]

I agree with you Linda. I haven't been on my first cruise yet so it wouldn't have occurred to me, but after reading these boards I realize that this could be a real problem in a tight environment. I'm stunned to learn that Princess allows 6 month-olds onboard. Do they try to put them in a cabin where there's no one beside their cabin? That's impossible, right? What happens to the poor couple who has the cabin besides theirs in the middle of the night if the ship is full and there's nowhere for the ship to move them? Someone posted that on their ship only 11 babies are allowed. It's great to hear they have some limit but what about the 11 (or 22) cabins on either side of a crying infant?

 

You'd think that for the money Princess makes on allowing those 11 six to eleven-month old babies, they might make up the revenue in attracting passengers who want to be assured they aren't going to be near a crying baby. Are their other lines that have 1 year as their limit?

[scbntraveler]

I said no because a parent cannot always control an infant. As children get older they can begin to train them to behave. I do not have an opinion on the appropriate age, just as long as the parents are in control and not the other way around.

 

I have been on many European flights where an infant would cry for most of the time. Fortunately for me I have a hearing lost, so I can turn off my hearing aids and doze off. However, the poor passengers around me would leave the plane complaining and looking like zombies.

 

I could not imagine someone being next to a cabin with a crying baby all night. Then try to go on an excursion the next day.

 

Whenever my family gets together at a restaurant, I always want to sink under the table. Due to the fact that my sister’s kids just sit there and bawl their heads off while everyone is frowning at us. My sister and bother-in-law are so used to it day and night, they just tune the kids out. My mom is the one that ends up having to take care of their needs. So whenever my sister travels, she ends up dragging my mom along. My mom has told me that people have said some rather rude things to my sister about her kids. Yet she just ignore them, thinking they are children haters.

[tapdancer_pm]

I saw the recent thread about this and figured this would make a great poll. :D

 

I'll start the voting off with a big NO. :p

 

<puts on flame-retardant suit>

 

Drew

 

I take it since this your second poll about kids, you dont have any, or yours are grown and dont travel with you any longer. Maybe their choice.