What to do at night w/infant/toddler on cruise?

[Chicky2181]

Thanks all. We don't have someone who can come with us unfortunately. We are planning to use the nursery for a night or two, so we can plan our nights around that and hope for the best the other nights. I'm hoping we can wear him out enough to get him to fall asleep LOL, but if not oh well.

 

Julie- we actually honeymooned in Akumal @ Akumal Beach resort...the beaches tehre are gorgeous. We took DS to an all-inclusive in Puerto Morales (between Cancun and Playa) when he was 9 months and we had a blast. Of course he was smaller, so he fell asleep in the stroller while we walked the resort. But there wasn't nearly as much to do as there is on a ship, so looking forward to that.

 

OMG!!!!! I love akumal!!!! We always say that it's our second home. We were actually suppose to be married at Lol-Ha, but we had a last minute change and eloped in Vegas. Anyways......our secind trip with our daughter is going to be to Akumal. We can't wait! Glad to here your baby had a blast in MX. BTW.....did you happen to try Mama's bakery in Puerto Morales?

[KJENN]

Chicky-

No, we didn't try that bakery, but we will if we're there again! I liked Akumal better than the resort at puerto morales...the beach was just so amazing at Akumal, and love the little town. Although Akumal Beach resort wasn't luxury, it was so 'homey' and everyone was so friendly- we loved it, and loved that you could walk into town. I would love to take DS back there b/c the water is so calm due to the reef. I'm sure you'll have a great time there with your baby! I hope your daughter enjoys her first cruise-- we will be on Oasis for our son's first cruise on 4/30- can't wait! He's almost 17 months, I almost think it might be easier with a littler one!!

[Chicky2181]

ABR is definitely not luxury, but the staff is incredibly friendly and they will remember each time you go back. We have only stayed there once. We usually rent a condo on Half Moon Bay. The water is a little choppier there because there is less of a reef, but there are more turtles and better snorkeling. If you plan to go again, check out locogringo dot com. it has everything you need to know about the area. We also rent our condos from them..

 

Looks like you're doing Oasis a week before we do Allure. Have fun!!!! Do you have plans on using the nursery?

[KJENN]

Yes, we are planning on it, as long as DS tolerates it. We plan to maybe use it 3 nights so that we can have a few drinks, eat at Chops one night, etc...not sure exactly-hoping to see a cruise compass for the itinerary so we can plan. We will prob schedule it after 7 or so, so that hopefully he will go to sleep. Or walk him around the decks until he conks out and let him sleep in his stroller in the nursery. We'll see how it goes. We probably won't use it during the day, my husband isn't a big sun/lay out fan, so he is fine with going back to the cabin while the baby naps in the afternoon, he will nap with him LOL. And I can lay out and read in peace :) It works for us!

[On Sail]

Granted, there are time zone differences but usually by day 3, our bodies have adjusted and midnight is still midnight...and just like the parents that have no problem taking their kids out that late, I'm entitled to think it's inappropriate. :)

You certainly are free to have your own opinion in the matter, however you are not entitled to force that opinion on others or judge them. You, yourself, stated that you would be one of the people giving the mom one of those uncomfortable looks. That is totally unfair. If you feel it's wrong, then don't do it with your children. But let others enjoy their vacation the way they see fit.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I give parents looks of pity not disdain!

[Chicky2181]

Yes, we are planning on it, as long as DS tolerates it. We plan to maybe use it 3 nights so that we can have a few drinks, eat at Chops one night, etc...not sure exactly-hoping to see a cruise compass for the itinerary so we can plan. We will prob schedule it after 7 or so, so that hopefully he will go to sleep. Or walk him around the decks until he conks out and let him sleep in his stroller in the nursery. We'll see how it goes. We probably won't use it during the day, my husband isn't a big sun/lay out fan, so he is fine with going back to the cabin while the baby naps in the afternoon, he will nap with him LOL. And I can lay out and read in peace :) It works for us!

 

We plan to do the same exact thing. I actually had us booked for a secialty restaurant and show everynight, but I just canceled a bunch of stuff. I started to feel guilty about my DD being in the nursery every night. So we are down to 2 dinners (one my mom will watch her) and 2 shows. I also plan to walk around at night with her in the stroller. She usually goes to bed early (around 7pm) and does usually sleep through the night. However, at times she wakes up at midnight and wants to play. Maybe we'll take her down to the casino for a martini and some slots....LOL.;)

[*BoSox*]

I've read through the comments and have a question regarding the nursery and activities, do you leave your child with a stranger? sitter/crew/guests? Do you feel comfortable with that? We'll be cruising with our 3 year old so I'm trying to find out our options while still being safe. Thanks!

[angielane]

we left our one year old in the room with a sitter - actually two sitters. It was $19/hour (plus tip), which seemed a little pricey....but they were excellent. they worked in guest services for their real job.

 

the first time we left them just for two hours to try it out....the second time we left them for nearly 5 hours.. i would've done it again but it seemed like we'd spent enough $$. :)

 

our guy was too young for the Adventure Ocean (on RCCL) but we did do all the Royal babies activities, and again, we found the staff to be excellent.

 

we leave our guy in day care during the week, so accustomed to trusting others....but, based on the experience we had, I would leave him again with the adventure ocean staff or sitters.

[lolakat]

I haven't had much luck with DD and night activities on any of our cruises. She was usually very tired after dinner and crabby. I had hoped she would sleep in her stroller but had no luck with that. Once she was 2 we tried the NCL kids club but she was miserable when I brought her so it only lasted about 15 minutes. Basically, we would go back to the room after dinner. I would put DD to bed on her typical schedule (around 8 or 8:30) then I would read a book on the balcony. It was relaxing and I was usually tired enough to sleep by 10pm or so. If your little one likes the nursery you should be all set. If not I suggest you just play it by ear and see how it goes.

[kabukijuul]

If kiddo needs to go to bed early and you don't have a balcony to escape to...try a portable dvd player with earphones. This is what I do when sharing a cabin with my DS 2 and DS 5. Works great!

[mnmfischel]

So 10 PM is OK, but midnight isn't? My thoughts are if he's sleeping, he's sleeping, whether its in a stroller or a crib. Obviously if he wasn't sleeping or was miserable, we'd be back in the room, but I think based on the other responses we'll give it a try and see how he does!

 

I think that's the right way to go! It's per kid. I would take mine out to midnight in a heartbeat if she weren't saying "Mommy, it's bedtime" at 7:30. I'm going to bring our BOB stroller, see how it works, and if she's cranky, it's back to the room. If she's having fun, we will be too. Have a great cruise and play it by ear. You're the parents...no worries on what anyone else thinks if you're being good to your child!

[dbowe5]

So 10 PM is OK, but midnight isn't? My thoughts are if he's sleeping, he's sleeping, whether its in a stroller or a crib. Obviously if he wasn't sleeping or was miserable, we'd be back in the room, but I think based on the other responses we'll give it a try and see how he does!

 

We are taking our little boy who will be 7 months old by then on the Oasis in July. I'm like you, if he's asleep in his pushchair and not causing any bother why can't he go in a bar or wander around with us??

 

The way I look at it is that he is paying full fare - over $1600 to share a room with his grandmother - plus the airfare from the UK, so why can't he enjoy the facilities at night - after all, he ain't going on the flowrider.

 

If he starts acting up, then we go back to the room but if he is behaving himself or asleep and I get the 'tuts' from someone, then I will be more than happy to discuss my point of view with them!;)