3 Women & A Daddy... Ditching the mega ships, for RCI's simpler side, with the kids!

[RCCL Fan]

So what about the 1-year old?

 

 

The nursery staff rocks. My wife joked that they must gas the kids, because they got our daughter down to bed much faster and easier than we ever could!

 

 

 

 

We borrowed a bag of toys for the room, and those were a huge hit. She loved them. Our daughter was not walking when we got on the ship. She was working on it, but never more than 2-3 steps.

 

Well, she had so much to see and do, she got her sea legs and started walking onboard. Between room service, learning to walk, toys, and the attention for staff she was a very happy baby.

 

 

 

We kept her with us most of the time, we would feed her in the room at night, then change her into her jammies, and bring her to the nursery at bedtime. We let them play with her for a half hour or so, then put her down.

 

The babies also help each other. There was another 1-year old on board. The staff said he always cried hard when his mom left and our daughter would go and hug him and bring him toys to play with. They became best buds by the end of the cruise.

 

 

Once we got over the stigma of "being bad parents" and dropping our kid off at the nursery at night, we really enjoyed our nights on board and felt like we were enjoying ourselves too and not just caring for the kids as usual.

 

The staff in Royal babies is very sweet, comforting, and welcoming.

 

We both would drop the little off, and then sneak in and check on her.

 

One night I left our dinner and said I needed to go to the restroom, which I did, but I may have gone to the one right outside the nursery just so I could peek in and check on the baby. She was fine.

 

I later learned my wife did the same thing one night.

 

Staff was very kind and reassuring and it made it easier to drop her off.

 

 

 

So many staff members are parents and away from their kids, and Serenade is a ship that I don't think sees many kids, so they were so wonderful with her, playing with her everywhere we went.

 

At times, I was almost annoyed, it was like, I can't take her with me to quickly grab something, because we're going to have to stop and talk to someone. lol

 

Our 1 year old daughter is also a master eater.

 

Food is king with this kid. So anytime you needed a break just sit her down with a snack and she was golden.

 

I wouldn't hesitate taking her on another Radiance class ship.

Edited April 14, 2015 by RCCL Fan

[hotmamma51]

Thank you so much for the info. Your family is adorable, and I love the idea of an inflatable pool we will definitely use it next year with our granddaughter.

I often bring my tablet with me while cruising because I like to read (when i'm not people watching). But I also understand that bringing it near water is not always the wisest thing to do and it remains MY responsibility to keep it safe.

Thanks again for the pictures and the review.

[Justmekaren918]

What an awesome review and pix's! I am so glad you throughly enjoyed the Radiance class ship. I am glad that you found the staff to be so welcoming and amazing.

 

I have heard it from others, but you have to experience it for yourself to understand and beyond appreciate what it feels like to be on a Radiance or Vision class vs a Freedom class or higher ship. In the smaller ships you are not just a number and you become part of a community. Getting things done that are a little out of the ordinary is totally possible and with a smile to boot. The ships are so incredibly manageable and you don't feel like you are wasting 1/2 your vacation getting somewhere to just start the fun! Your there partaking in lots of fun activities.

 

I have been trying to figure out about the Liberty cruise. You are just a number, because there are way too many people on board! There is no individual personalization to any part of the cruise experience. If you are lucky maybe you will bond with a few staff. Chaos lines are the norm. There is beyond stuff to do and see; hope you can find it! Forgot going down to the dining room and seeing if they will make a dinner to go, cause you feel like eating some MDR food on your balcony. It feels like it takes forever to get anywhere! That is so not part of the fun! You just get so lost in the big sea of those mega ships and malls of commercialism instead of the tradition and personality from being on a nice ship.

 

Thanks for the awesome review from such an adorable family!

[RCCL Fan]

Karen, while I've never sailed on Liberty I have been on both of her sisters Freedom & Independence.

 

I have to say, my opinion is different. Freedom-class ships are packed with activities. As a young family it was perfect for us.

 

Lots of activities for the kids. The dreamworks characters, the ice skating, the h20 zone and splash pool. The ship itself offered so many things to keep my family truly truly entertained and happy. Not to mention there was great things like Flowrider for me to feel young at heart again.

 

I always thought mega ships were the only way to go. This Serenade cruise taught me otherwise.

 

I encourage you to try another mega ship. They're awesome if you go with kids or with large groups of friends/family.

 

If its just me and the wife, I could see it not being as enjoyable.

 

But I've gotten great service on some of the mega ships, especially Allure, which I have to say may have been my best cruise ever.

 

My whole trip/review is about stepping out of your comfort zone. Serenade was that experience for me.

 

I learned the other side of the RCI pillow is just as cool

[kleo30]

You're review is so much fun to read. I'm really enjoying it.

[kdnurs]

Thanks for the great read...Your family is adorable :D

[caribbean sailor]

Thanks.

 

Serenade was a wonderful ship, AMAZING crew

 

and sorry I was typing too fast on the joke.

 

They asked if I wanted the kids to have charging privileges, and I said, "No, I also don't want my wife to have them either"

 

I was laughing so I thought it was clearly a joke, but apparently not as the Mrs. couldn't buy anything.

 

lol

 

 

Great pictures beautiful family.Thanks for sharing them with us.:)

[Bellyflopchamp]

You're family is absolutely adorable. The older one with the posing is priceless.

 

I do have a quick question for you about the nursery. Did you find it difficult at all when you picked your daughter up to get her back to sleep? My wife is worried that we will have that issue with our daughte when we g in November.

[Mamacane71]

Precious Family! We did Jewel two years ago and LOVED her.

[Homosassa]

You are bringing back so many good memories of cruising with our daughter (first one at 18 months old for her). She is now 31 y.o. and we still have a blast cruising with her.

[tripster]

Really loving your review! I have to say that it is the best one yet!! Well written and great photos! You certainly have a knack for it. :)

[Orange jeep]

Hi

 

Your family is beautiful! Cherish every moment it goes by fast.

 

Sincerely,

 

Orange jeep

[RCCL Fan]

Jamaica:

 

 

 

Figured I should skip ahead to the islands…..

 

 

The girls were out on the balcony early to watch the ship “back in” to Jamaica.

 

My wife and I actually were married in Montego Bay. Last time we were in Falmouth, it was our wedding morning. I was guiding 50 friends and family off Independence of the Seas to try to find our wedding planner and chartered bus to take the group to the beach where we were having the ceremony. My wife was upstairs on the ship getting her hair done and stressing about things brides stress about on their

wedding day.

 

 

 

It was so nice to be back this time and back at RCI’s manufactured little port stop, with the biggest worry being the purple parrot my daughter swore she saw flying over the trees on the island.

 

 

We did a quick breakfast in Windjammer and headed down to meet our tour bus.

 

We booked an excursion through “Resort for a Day” to the Hilton Rose Hall.

 

It seemed so silly to leave a resort on water, to go to a resort on land. But it really was our only choice for several reasons.... which all lead back to safety.

 

 

Someone asked if we packed car seats. Yes and No. We made plans for each stop based on car seats.

 

In Jamaica, we chose resort for a day because they were the only tour company that used actual motor coaches. Like Greyhound buses. Not the oversized minivan euro buses.

 

They showed me photos of their buses said it was all they used, and we felt safe having the girls on board them without a car seat for a short ride.

 

Hilton Rose Hall was the closest resort, and came highly recommended so we went for it.

 

 

Well….

 

There were so few of us from Serenade on the tour that when we got to the motor coach a decision was made not to put us on it. We could all fit in one of those oversized minivan buses. You know the one I worked specifically to avoid.

 

I was about to lose it. The agent assured me... no minivan bus --- it would only be a motor coach.

 

My wife, who worries more than me typically, gave me a calming look that without words said it’s ok.

 

So, we hopped on and took the drive to the Hilton.

 

 

Driver was very safe, drove at good speeds, and I think I prayed the whole drive that no one crashed into our bus.

 

 

We got there, checked in and I went to pay my balance, and my credit card was rejected. I had called the card company before we left home and told them of our trip so I was surprised and annoyed.

 

Used another card and all was fine.

 

Only after the trip did I call to verify my suspicious activity in Jamaica, and as I told them it was me over and over again. They started listing the charges.... after the attempted charge at the Hilton Montego Bay, several more charges were attempted later that day and other days I was on the cruise. Hotels in Canada, a wireless phone company in the caribbean. Someone got my number and was having a field day. Not sure I'll use my credit card there again.

 

 

 

I was a little nervous when I first got to the Hilton

 

It was raining, hard.

 

There was this huge cafeteria set up, a big pool, an outdoor seating area and that was really it. I thought man, if it rains all day we’ll have nothing to do, and even if it doesn’t I was expecting more than this.

 

Well thankfully the rain stopped and we wandered to the right and boom, there was everything we wanted.

 

it was crowded. Lots of people by the first 2-3 beach areas. We kept walking hoping to find a chair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally found the very last beach area near empty. We pulled up some lounge chairs and Priscilla, my 6-year old made a bee-line for the water.

 

She and I and several kids were out playing in the water for a good 45 mins when suddenly whistles.

 

get out, get out!

 

What the ??!?

Edited April 15, 2015 by RCCL Fan

[RCCL Fan]

 

 

Apparently the area we were in is where the boats dock. so there is no swimming there. Well hell…. we had already got settled.... good spot. under trees, ordered drinks. Now we couldn’t get in the water!??

 

Well, ee compromised, I let her play in the water right where it touches the sand for about 2-3 feet out and thats it.

 

It was ok. We made sand castles, and wrote love notes, and enjoyed the beautiful view.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The beach was having a major seaweed problem. They were doing their best to scoop it out, but it was everywhere, so it was probably best we weren’t in the water.

 

 

We decided to go check out the water slides and lazy river.

 

Well this too — uber crowded.

 

The inner tubes are first come/first serve and you’re supposed to leave them in the river. Yeah, no one did. Everyone got a tube and took it back to their lounge chairs when they were done and kept it until they needed to get in again.

 

My wife found one and took Priscilla in the pool while I stayed with Cailyn, our 1-year old.

 

 

Now, I know she can’t get in the pool, not being potty trained, but man it was hot…..

 

 

I put two swim diapers on her, and found a shady spot at the edge of the pool under a tree.

 

We sat there and i put my feet in the water and let her stand in it. and splash her feet around.

 

She was sealed up tight, in case of an accident, and she enjoyed splashing my feet and hers for about 15 minutes.

 

I took her out the swim diaper after --- nothing inside!!! :-)

 

Back to the big girl....

 

Priscilla got scared of the water that cascaded down on your head on the lazy river and wanted no part of it after once time through. I somehow convinced her to try the water slide with me. She enjoyed it. It’s broken up in sections. A short and very fast section empties into a pool, then another short slide that empties into another pool. So it’s in stages, breaks it up for the little ones.

 

The slide was fast. I felt my heart racing, I didn’t want to go back on. lol

 

She loved it though.

 

So all was good.

 

We settled back at the chair and our waiter brought us food, first we had standard junk food. a burger and nachos. There was no menu he just asked what you wanted and he would go get it.

 

Well, the people in front of us got this amazing looking jerk pork.

 

i asked for chicken…. preferably the breast. After a bit of a sexist joke, he went and got it for me and oh my was this chicken amazing.

 

 

It’s the winner of the only food porn pic of this review!

 

 

 

[RCCL Fan]

After eating, it was back in the pool with Priscilla while my wife walked the baby around and attempted to rock her to sleep…. yeah right!

 

 

 

 

Priscilla and I went to the swim up bar which she thought was the funniest thing ever and ordered her strawberry daiquiri with lots of cherries.

 

Whatever I had was awful — cheap alcohol just isn’t my thing, takes like medicine. I sat mine aside.

 

stick with beer at the Hilton!

 

sadly after this is was time to get ready for the bus.

 

It was the first time ever my wife actually said, “Next time I don’t want to do a cruise, lets just come and stay here for a few days,”

 

She didn’t feel like we had time to enjoy it.

 

She’s right, everything takes longer with the kids. she spent an hour just getting the baby to sleep, and then was stuck with her after that.

 

We realized our excursions would not be so action packed with the kids in tow.

 

We met out oversized minibus and headed back to the ship.

 

 

[kitkat343]

Thanks for the lovely review and the amazing photos of your adorable family!

 

If I took an iPad to the pool, I'd keep it on my chair under a towel since anyone could splash it or step on it.

 

Did you (or anyone else on your cruise) have trouble booking hours in the nursery? We've never sailed with a nursery so we are trying to see if it will work out for our family.

[RCCL Fan]

Thanks for the lovely review and the amazing photos of your adorable family!

 

If I took an iPad to the pool, I'd keep it on my chair under a towel since anyone could splash it or step on it.

 

Did you (or anyone else on your cruise) have trouble booking hours in the nursery? We've never sailed with a nursery so we are trying to see if it will work out for our family.

 

 

 

No, We had absolutely no trouble booking in the nursery at all. Same when on Allure with our other daughter, years ago.

 

On this ship, there was one night, we made reservations for dinner 15 mins before the nursery was actually open. They said no problem, and they were there to take our little one.

 

The staff was very very accommodating, welcoming, and helpful.

 

 

We always fed our daughter ourselves, but they will do dinner for them too if you prefer.

 

Actually I think we may have let them do dinner one night, and i think it went fine.

 

No complaints with the nursery at all.

 

We will make sure there is one on every ship we book from now on.

[Lavani]

Thank you so much, I am loving your review and it is so helpful. We are on Navigator in 2 1/2 weeks with our 9 month old and 3 1/2 year old, so all of the info on the kids is great!

 

Last time we did Hilton Rose Hall in Jamaica and took our own car seat (had an 18 month old at the time) and taxi - but on the way there the taxi driver was crazy and seemed very sketchy and unsafe, and on the way back we couldn't find a taxi with seatbelts. This time we booked resortforaday for the same reasons you did, the big tour bus. Disappointed to hear about the vehicle switch. Not sure what other choice we have except stay on the ship.

 

Also - re: your blow-up pool debacle, would you suggest not using a blow up pool, or just try to be a little more conscious of which drains work and can be used before filling up? I think you handled it well and it's too bad that lady seemed so angry and unforgiving. We all make mistakes sometimes... what else did she want you to do?

 

Thank you so much for all of your great information!

[Lavani]

One more question. Did anyone actually tell you the rule at the Hilton is no swim diapers in the pool? Did anyone seem to care?

 

When we were there with our 18 month old I was totally unaware of any rule and nobody said anything to me and we had her in the water. This time around I did see it posted on restortforaday website. Although I was hoping I can still have her at least splash her feet in that very shallow end like you did (hell so many ADULTS admit to peeing in the pools that it doesn't seem like it should be an issue. I understand for the poop - but that's why I would only have her splashing her feet, not totally submerged).

[clochette]

what a great review, I am also enjoying all of the great pictres, you have a beautiful family.

[330searay]

Absoluterly awesome review. My wife and cruise with our children as well. (We take them every other cruise). We are booked on liberty in August with the two boys 11-14. It just seems more fun when you can share the experience with them. (and i tend to behave better). I have been reading this for the past hour on the clock.LOL. I will resume tonite at home. Great job and very cool Fam.

[LuCruise]

Following along. What a beautiful family. Look forward to reading how Serenade compares to the bigger ships.

[KPfromCT]

What a great review!!!

And you have such a beautiful family!!!

Can't wait to read more.....:D:D:D

[RCCL Fan]

Lavani, I really think it was just Murphy's law with us. Navigator is bigger than Serenade, chances are you'll have more than the 3 other families that joined us to Hilton Rose Hall.

 

And they almost put us on a bus, we were standing in front the bus door when someone suggested the last minute change.

 

So, I would either roll with it like we did, or contact "resort for a day" now and tell them you require the bus.

 

 

As for the pool... I don't know. I felt awful when this woman yelled at me. The pool was banned after that.

 

Before her frustration I will tell you every single person who walked by the pool deck ( we were back closer to the wall on the side of the up) So large amounts of people walked by while Cailyn splashed and splashed and everyone was smiling at her, remarking at how cute she was and saying what a great idea we had. The water ran under other chairs but no one else seemed to mind. If you're planning to spend a lot of time at the pool. I say bring it and just be super careful as you empty.

 

 

I didn't see any signs or notices about swim diapers at the Hilton or on resort for a day.

 

We never went to the main pool. I only got in the entrance to the lazy river/pool and stayed to the right side by the trees, and in the little fountain area.

 

I know so many kids pee in the water. It's more the poop I worry about. Babies can't tell and poop in the water is really bad.

 

So yes, I think if you double up on the swim diapers, and keep her at the edge, you'll be much better off.

 

I was constantly yanking her little bottoms open taking a peek, but I also know her face when that's happening.

 

I manly sat on the side though and just let her splash her feet.

 

She lost interest, so we didn't do it very long.

[2tall]

I haven't even started reading your review because I got stuck on the first picture. I can completely "see" the personalities in your family and get a sense of who they all are simply by looking at it. It's fabulous!

 

Now back to reading...