First timers with 14 month old

[aliss84]

We have traveled 2x with him (once a 3 hour ferry @ 6 weeks, another a 5 hour flight @ 9 months) but have never done a cruise.

 

We are looking for the best cruise to accommodate a 14 month old. We would like to have some parent-only time (babysitting is a priority) but will spend most of our time with him of course :)

 

We live in Montreal, QC and would like to go to Europe (Germany, northern Europe, etc) or the Mediterranean. 7-14 days. In Sept-Oct 2011.

 

Suggestions?

[NJfoodie]

With a 14 month old, the options are limited mainly because he/she will not be old enough yet for kids programs and not every line provides babysitting options for infants.

 

Disney has European itineraries and they provide many services that will cater to young children. Babysitting at this age is for fee but definitely will be available in the nursery.

 

Carnival generally offers short periods of babysitting for children under 2 yrs for an hourly fee in the kids club. I've heard before that it's typically a 2 hr block sometime during the day, often late morning or around lunch, when babies are accommodated in the kids club area.

 

Celebrity may offer in-room babysitting in the evenings w/ a min age of 12 months.

 

Royal Caribbean has a few ships that have a nursery. Oasis, Allure, Freedom and Liberty I think. These ships will have for-fee babysitting for little ones under 3.

 

HAL, Princess and NCL don't seem to have much for babysitting options for 14 month olds.

 

We had a wonderful time last year sailing with DS who was 14 months at the time. We found he loved wandering around around the ship and waving to everyone we walked past. Having flexibility in dining times and choices was a must at his age but that being said, he was overall very well behaved at meals. Enjoy your trip!