Cruising with an infant

[hummer88]

We are trying to decide if we should take our child who would be 21 months old at the time of cruising with us. What do cruise lines typically charge for children this age? Is it difficult to cruise with a child this young? Would you recommend cruises with more or less ports?

 

Thanks

[6rugrats]

For most cruiselines, it doesn't matter how old your child is; you are going to be charged the third passenger rate. Look for specials where the 3rd/4th passenger sail for only the taxes/fees. Often I see this on HAL. This same topic is discussed on this thread:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1463928

 

A child this age isn't allowed into any of the kid's clubs, and unless you choose a line with a nursery or babysitting, you'll have your child with you 24/7. I don't really think the number of port stops make any difference with a 21 month old. Choose what you think you can manage and what you'd like.

 

Taking a child this age on a cruise isn't the same as when you cruised without kids. I would have hated it, but lots of people do it and like it.

[crusinmama06]

Rugrats is right, kids don't care where you cruise to and how many ports. What's important at this age is where do YOU what to go? ;)

 

If you look around this board enough you'll start to get a sense of where most of us cruise. Yes, generally you will pay for your child. Yes, there are some exceptions. Are those exceptions the most "family friendly" options. Only you can decide that.

[ccartman2]

Carnival, you'll pay the 3rd person rate. I have seen some that have offered free children, but I don't remember which one.

[cb at sea]

That's not an "infant"...it's an almost 2 year old!!!!

Most lines will charge the "3rd person" rate for a child traveling with 2 parents. If there's only 1 adult, the baby will pay the "adult" rate.

 

Sometimes, Disney and NCL will have special children rates, but it's always based on 2 adults traveling with the child.