2 year old cruiser

[kitten3008]

My 8 year old's first cruise will be in February! We have other challenges, but we're bringing my mom along, both as a way to say thank you for all she does for us, and as another set of helping hands. Win-win!

[Flatbush Flyer]

For what it's worth, do know that your 2 year old will have zero memory of this event in later life. Worth consideration of a delay until at least age 4-5.

[manonabike]

That may be true Flatbush but they will enjoy it whist they are on holiday and it will expose them to lots of new and exciting experiences. Working on your assumption you'd never take a baby to the zoo or even read them a bedtime story.

 

 

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[CanadianDee]

For what it's worth, do know that your 2 year old will have zero memory of this event in later life. Worth consideration of a delay until at least age 4-5.

 

That may be true Flatbush but they will enjoy it whist they are on holiday and it will expose them to lots of new and exciting experiences. Working on your assumption you'd never take a baby to the zoo or even read them a bedtime story.

 

We have a journal of every vacation we've taken with our granddaughter (as well as vacation journals with our own kids) from age one.

 

For what it's worth? Those memories - our memories, even if the kids are too little to remember - are priceless.

 

To the OP, have a fabulous cruise with your family!

Edited August 28, 2015 by CanadianDee

[Flatbush Flyer]

That may be true Flatbush but they will enjoy it whist they are on holiday and it will expose them to lots of new and exciting experiences. Working on your assumption you'd never take a baby to the zoo or even read them a bedtime story.

 

 

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Going to the zoo or reading bedtime stories (for learning, bonding, fun, etc) are not the same thing as a cruise, which involves complex challenges for a family with a two-year old.

 

Earlier in the thread, a lot of attention was paid to the cost of the third passenger, which suggests that the expense is a major consideration for the OP.

 

For the time, energy and financial outlay, it is worth thinking about a cruise in terms of whether all the family members will have fond memories of the vacation. In addition, given the bargain mega-ship and cookie-cutter island itineraries scenarios many younger families are considering, realize that a "staycation" trip to the nearest beach or water/amusement park would achieve the same basic ends as would a more expensive and challenging cruise.

 

And, by virtue of the fact that not all cruise lines make special accommodations for toddlers, it is obvious that the care of a two year old on a ship can be a lot more challenging than at home or elsewhere on land.

 

We are about to take our 2 year old granddaughter to Disneyland, in part for the "learning and wonder" element for her but also for our own enjoyment of her experience. However (and although the expense would not necessarily be a deal breaker for us), Disneyland is far less complicated than a cruise (e.g., driving vs flying, per person accommodation costs, emergency pediatric medical care, etc.). We plan, as well, to take her on a cruise (most likely Disney). But, given the various factors, that will not happen until approx age 4.

 

To each his/her own.

[JVilleGal]

We took our grand daughter to Disneyland at 4. Spent 3 days, had naps and pool time mid day. Papa and little one got naps (papa loved that). We carefully split the day up to not wear a little person out.... Used a stroller for long trots across the park also to not wear tiny legs out....

Have already been flamed for suggesting at 2yr old on a cruise ship is really hard on the baby and especially the mom. Grandma is a wonderful alternative if she is able.

But each family vacations in their own way and I hope this family enjoys no matter what they end up doing! Safe journey!

[CanadianDee]

We took our grand daughter to Disneyland at 4. Spent 3 days, had naps and pool time mid day. Papa and little one got naps (papa loved that). We carefully split the day up to not wear a little person out.... Used a stroller for long trots across the park also to not wear tiny legs out....

Have already been flamed for suggesting at 2yr old on a cruise ship is really hard on the baby and especially the mom. Grandma is a wonderful alternative if she is able.

But each family vacations in their own way and I hope this family enjoys no matter what they end up doing! Safe journey!

 

LOL. We've done Disneyworld with a two year-old and Papa and Grandma had about the same stamina as the preschooler. Disney in the morning, a swim and a nap in the afternoon, back to Disney for a couple of hours later in the day ... maybe. The highlight of the toddler's trip? That Papa could swim WITH HIS HEAD UNDER WATER!

 

Anyway, the cruise was a slower pace, but still a blast for our preschooler. Beaches and parks when the ship docked, more restful days when we were on sea days. Mornings on the balcony, having First Breakfast and watching the ship dock are some of our best moments.

 

Said kidlet still says her favourite of the two is the cruise. I can't decide which I prefer with little ones, both are a blast.

 

As Flatbush says, to each his own.

[JVilleGal]

Papa would agree, he is our nap buddy and swim buddy for all grand babies we vacation with! His favorite activity is being told to take a nap ! :)

Edited August 28, 2015 by JVilleGal