Traveling w/infant. Reflection or Summit?

[KillaFee]

Hello everyone! I've come here for a bit of advice. So it's been a while since I've been on the boards because for the past 4 years or so my husband and I have been mainly doing All Inclusives with the exception of a terrible Carnival Cruise thrown in for good measure, haha. We typically go on 2-3 vacations a year but now have a 4 month old so we have to plan our vacations a lot more carefully now!! We are planning on doing a Celebrity cruise in Dec of 2016 and will be traveling with our daughter, who will be 16 months at the time, and my parents. We're definitely doing Celebrity because to be honest, I feel that I've outgrown Royal Caribbean. I'm in my early 30's and have been cruising since I was 8, so I've been on just about every line but mainly RCCL. We are looking for a bit of a more refined, upscale experience from Royal. I'm trying to decide between the Summit, which has an amazing itinerary, or the Reflection, which has a less attractive itinerary, but obviously is a newer, more exciting ship. Has anyone else out there traveled with a 1 year old? Any recommendations or thoughts between the two? Any advice or opinions are greatly appreciated!!

 

Thank you in advance!

 

Laura

[philpcruiser]

Here's my two cents. Travel as much as you can before your little one starts school. Planning vacations around school holidays is tough (and very expensive). Regarding choosing a ship, go for what you feel is more important. We've sailed Disney and Celebrity. Can't beat Disney (for the entertainment, shows, characters, and service). Celebrity for the service and food (especially the premium dining venues). We feel comfortable sailing with either. When the option of sailing RCCL's new Anthem, the extra cost (many hundred $$$ per day) did not seem worth it for bumper cars, roller skating, and robotic bartenders. Then we were concerned if the food and service would be up to Disney or Celebrity standards. Its purely up to what is more important to you.

[K.T.B.]

I loved the Summit. I think it's a great ship, even if it's older. I also happen to love Millennium class a bit more than Solstice class. I will say that when I was on her there were quite a number of parents with children under the age of 5. (At least 5 families.) It was also one of the rarities where it seemed all of the children were VERY well behaved! :)

 

With that said, if you love itinerary, that (IMO) is what the focus should be on.

[pl281]

We did Summit this past March with our then 18 month old.

 

I would tell you that I think either ship will be fine - it is more so what you plan on doing. We were just going to get away / not doing any excursions or anything - really a dry run for longer / other cruises.

 

Here are a couple of recommendations

 

1) umbrella stroller - much easier to navigate ship with

 

2) Fabric Shower curtain and magnetic hooks (can get at Target for <$10) to put around pack n' play for nap time / evenings

 

3) Back Pack with Teether - Allows little one to walk around with some freedom - also helpful to carry one or two diapers rather than the entire diaper bag

 

4) Disposable diaper bags - Armnhammer - these are great in general as well

 

5) BE FLEXIBLE - realize that your normal at home schedule probably will not be the same on the ship - just role with it

 

6) Tot time in play area is nice change of pace (usually a 45 minute window mid-late afternoon)

 

7) Bath Time - we were with my folks who had a suite so we did bath time in their tub - if you don't have this as an option - most suggest a small inflatable tub

[MommaBear55]

If having your child be able to go in a pool on board is important to you, please reconsider Royal Caribbean' s larger ships, as they are some of the few that have dedicated space for non toilet trained children.

[jenniebnyc]

Until Summit guts the bathrooms in their cabins, I personally would choose Reflection. I also do not care for the buffet on this Summit. Finally, I found certain areas on the Summit to be very warm, including the buffet, hallways and our cabin.

 

In addition, as poster above mentions, Celebrity does not allow children in pools who are not toilet trained. No diapers or SWIM diapers allowed. So, please take note of this.

 

Good luck!

[KillaFee]

We did Summit this past March with our then 18 month old.

 

I would tell you that I think either ship will be fine - it is more so what you plan on doing. We were just going to get away / not doing any excursions or anything - really a dry run for longer / other cruises.

 

Here are a couple of recommendations

 

1) umbrella stroller - much easier to navigate ship with

 

2) Fabric Shower curtain and magnetic hooks (can get at Target for <$10) to put around pack n' play for nap time / evenings

 

3) Back Pack with Teether - Allows little one to walk around with some freedom - also helpful to carry one or two diapers rather than the entire diaper bag

 

4) Disposable diaper bags - Armnhammer - these are great in general as well

 

5) BE FLEXIBLE - realize that your normal at home schedule probably will not be the same on the ship - just role with it

 

6) Tot time in play area is nice change of pace (usually a 45 minute window mid-late afternoon)

 

7) Bath Time - we were with my folks who had a suite so we did bath time in their tub - if you don't have this as an option - most suggest a small inflatable tub

 

Thank you for the tips! I really appreciate your input! Did you bring a pack and play or do they provide cribs? I'm very interested to see how the 3 of us will fit in a standard balcony cabin, but I'm sure it can be done!!! Overall did you enjoy your cruise or was it super chaotic? We're hoping that it will work out since my parents are going and we'll be able to get a break every now and again. Did you like the ship? Thanks again for your advice!

[KillaFee]

If having your child be able to go in a pool on board is important to you, please reconsider Royal Caribbean' s larger ships, as they are some of the few that have dedicated space for non toilet trained children.

 

Thanks! We're definitely not interested in RCCLS ships. I'm very familiar with them and they are just too "fun" for me now, I suppose. We're in the point of our lives right now where our daughter is young enough that we can take her places that don't have to be "kid centered" just yet, thank goodness! Once she's a bit older I'm sure we'll consider RCCLs ships!!! Thanks! We don't plan on taking her in the pool - I know babies in pools on cruises are frowned upon, lol!! We live on the ocean at home so she's more of a beach baby. ;):D

[KillaFee]

I loved the Summit. I think it's a great ship, even if it's older. I also happen to love Millennium class a bit more than Solstice class. I will say that when I was on her there were quite a number of parents with children under the age of 5. (At least 5 families.) It was also one of the rarities where it seemed all of the children were VERY well behaved! :)

 

With that said, if you love itinerary, that (IMO) is what the focus should be on.

 

Thanks for the info! I typically like somewhat smaller ships so this might be the right one for us. I tend to feel overwhelmed at all the extra things that they throw on these new ships lately and get stressed that I won't be able to see it all. I like the basic feeling of being on the ocean on a ship, enjoying fabulous dinners, and getting sun. We are big island people so I'd hate to do one with a crummy itinerary. I've done the st lucia, st martin, st thomas, barbados, antigua itinerary before and LOVED it but my husband has only been to half of those islands so it would be nice to exolore with him and our daughter had been a pretty good traveler so far!!! Thanks again!

[andnosyd]

We just got off the Reflection in December with our (then) 7 month old and 3 year old. I liked that ship better than the Constellation (sister Summit ship) that we were on with our then 18 month old. It was easier to navigate with a stroller, the buffet area was also easier to get around with her. The staff loved her and the kids club was nice to bring her to to play for an hour or so a day. We also let her crawl around and play on the grass area on the Reflection, which she enjoyed. You'll have a great time and the staff (and most passengers) will be happy to see your little one.

[MommaBear55]

Thanks for the info! I typically like somewhat smaller ships so this might be the right one for us. I tend to feel overwhelmed at all the extra things that they throw on these new ships lately and get stressed that I won't be able to see it all. I like the basic feeling of being on the ocean on a ship, enjoying fabulous dinners, and getting sun. We are big island people so I'd hate to do one with a crummy itinerary. I've done the st lucia, st martin, st thomas, barbados, antigua itinerary before and LOVED it but my husband has only been to half of those islands so it would be nice to exolore with him and our daughter had been a pretty good traveler so far!!! Thanks again!

 

Enjoy your trip. We always traveled with our kids, as we enjoyed being a family together. Even now we try to take an all family trip every year. Having the grandkids along just adds to the fun.

[Corgis mom]

We have stayed on the Summit several times. A standard cabin has a chair close to the sliding glass door to the balcony. A Concierge class has a sofa. You will appreciate the extra space. It is a larger cabin. You will like that with baby "stuff".

We were on a two week cruise to Canada with twin toddlers. The parents were clueless. They always came to dinner 15-20 minutes late, and the kids screamed. They thought it was fine.

 

I asked a crew member if there was a chance they could get a baby sitter, and was told if they are in diapers, crew couldn't change them for privacy concerns, so no sitters.

 

You want to feel sorry for the parents, but they sure put a damper on dinner for a lot of people. I felt they should have used different venues for dinner. The children were very unhappy. The buffet would have given them faster food, and that might have helped hungry kids.

,

[pl281]

1) I love your retorts to some of the comments

 

2) We had an oceanview room and celebrity provided the packnplay - The just wrapped the base "mattress" in a standard sheet - if you want one that is an exact fit you would need to bring it.

 

We left it set up all the time...so depending on nap times we didn't need to call someone or set it up ourselves....we were able to move it enough to be able to sit on the couch or use the desk (not at the same time)

 

The cruise was very enjoyable...some of the things we did (more so for the benefits of others)

 

1) We brought disposable floor mats (Neat Solutions Disposable Floor Topper) - Got them on Amazon

 

This way if our little one was a little messy at meals we were able to clean up from it - We also used these at home - restaurants were VERY thankful

 

2) While at dinner specifically - little one was only able to sit for about 30-40 minutes before getting cranky so at that point my wife and I switched off walking around the ship with him (near the dining room) for about 15 minutes while the other one finished up -

 

We also did early seating and the dinning room staff was great about getting our meals quickly because of this

 

3) Celebrity does offer in room babysitting - @ $20/hr which is for 2 people - We only used this one night but it was nice to know it was an option

 

The biggest thing was we had no expectations - and played everything by ear so that we weren't disappoint if we could do something

[MarKay525]

Hi - we had a different experience on Summit and on Millennium - we had a standard balcony on all the cruises and always had a sofa next to the balcony door.

 

On most of the Princess ships it is hard to find a standard balcony stateroom with a sofa (or even a love seat), but I'm pretty sure the Celebrity balcony cabins have them.

 

We have stayed on the Summit several times. A standard cabin has a chair close to the sliding glass door to the balcony. A Concierge class has a sofa. You will appreciate the extra space. It is a larger cabin. You will like that with baby "stuff".

[K.T.B.]

:d :d :d :d Whhyyyy won't it let me make smiley faces now? Am I on probation and not allowed to emote anymore?! Anyway, thank you!! My thoughts exactly.

 

You need to use a capital D to make them: :D

[KillaFee]

1) I love your retorts to some of the comments

 

2) We had an oceanview room and celebrity provided the packnplay - The just wrapped the base "mattress" in a standard sheet - if you want one that is an exact fit you would need to bring it.

 

We left it set up all the time...so depending on nap times we didn't need to call someone or set it up ourselves....we were able to move it enough to be able to sit on the couch or use the desk (not at the same time)

 

The cruise was very enjoyable...some of the things we did (more so for the benefits of others)

 

1) We brought disposable floor mats (Neat Solutions Disposable Floor Topper) - Got them on Amazon

 

This way if our little one was a little messy at meals we were able to clean up from it - We also used these at home - restaurants were VERY thankful

 

2) While at dinner specifically - little one was only able to sit for about 30-40 minutes before getting cranky so at that point my wife and I switched off walking around the ship with him (near the dining room) for about 15 minutes while the other one finished up -

 

We also did early seating and the dinning room staff was great about getting our meals quickly because of this

 

3) Celebrity does offer in room babysitting - @ $20/hr which is for 2 people - We only used this one night but it was nice to know it was an option

 

The biggest thing was we had no expectations - and played everything by ear so that we weren't disappoint if we could do something

 

Thank you thank you thank you for even more tips!!! We're definitely willing to roll with a "different" type of vacation than what we're used to. It's time! We've been selfish and lucky enough to have enjoyed several adults only vacations prior to having our daughter so we almost welcome the change! My husband loves a good challenge. I'm only nervous for the plane ride, but that's another story!!!

 

One more question: Did you bring a car seat for cab rides? I'd imagine we will have to have it?!

 

Thanks again! We'll be packing all of the things that you mentioned!!!

 

Laura

Edited January 6, 2016 by KillaFee
Because I'm a blonde and forgot something.

[KillaFee]

You need to use a capital D to make them: :D

 

I did! And then it keeps making them lowercase as though it's trying to correct them. Sigh. I'm even pressing the smiley face button! Oh well. You'll just have to use your imagination that I'm smiling like that big toothy green faced little guy.

[KillaFee]

We have stayed on the Summit several times. A standard cabin has a chair close to the sliding glass door to the balcony. A Concierge class has a sofa. You will appreciate the extra space. It is a larger cabin. You will like that with baby "stuff".

We were on a two week cruise to Canada with twin toddlers. The parents were clueless. They always came to dinner 15-20 minutes late, and the kids screamed. They thought it was fine.

 

I asked a crew member if there was a chance they could get a baby sitter, and was told if they are in diapers, crew couldn't change them for privacy concerns, so no sitters.

 

You want to feel sorry for the parents, but they sure put a damper on dinner for a lot of people. I felt they should have used different venues for dinner. The children were very unhappy. The buffet would have given them faster food, and that might have helped hungry kids.

,

 

Yikes! Yeah I have no problem getting out of there when she makes so much as a peep, or at least coming up with a solution to the situation, such as walking her around to calm her down or something. I'm so paranoid of being disruptive! The only place we won't have control will be on the plane. There's no escape. Agh!! I'm glad to hear that you like the Summit. As of right now we're leaning towards that ship!

 

Laura

[K.T.B.]

I did! And then it keeps making them lowercase as though it's trying to correct them. Sigh. I'm even pressing the smiley face button! Oh well. You'll just have to use your imagination that I'm smiling like that big toothy green faced little guy.

 

Fixed it for you! :p

 

:D :D :D :D Whhyyyy won't it let me make smiley faces now? Am I on probation and not allowed to emote anymore?! Anyway, thank you!! My thoughts exactly.

[philpcruiser]

A well deserved thank you to the moderator who removed those posts by the "gentleman" who constantly trolls these boards, just waiting to disrupt a thread with his hate for kids on cruises.

He's been doing it for as long as I have been on CC. Why let him continue?

[dkjretired]

A well deserved thank you to the moderator who removed those posts by the "gentleman" who constantly trolls these boards, just waiting to disrupt a thread with his hate for kids on cruises.

He's been doing it for as long as I have been on CC. Why let him continue?

 

Your right, next time I'm just going to report it as off topic, no sense arguing.

[CanadianDee]

Yikes! Yeah I have no problem getting out of there when she makes so much as a peep, or at least coming up with a solution to the situation, such as walking her around to calm her down or something. I'm so paranoid of being disruptive! The only place we won't have control will be on the plane. There's no escape. Agh!! I'm glad to hear that you like the Summit. As of right now we're leaning towards that ship!

 

Laura

 

We've travelled quite extensively with our granddaughter and she always flew fairly well with a bottle on take-off and landing. I did read somewhere that crying is actually a good way for them to relieve the pressure and help their ears pop. I think of that whenever I hear a Little crying on the plane.

 

And if you're anxious about your babe crying, it's almost like they pick up on it and cry more. LOL.

 

We also travel with our grown children as you are doing with your parents on the cruise. Handing off the baby from one adult to the next gives everyone the best of both worlds: precious time with the baby and adult time for a quiet dinner.

 

Keep in mind you can order dinner from the MDR to your room if things go astray with you baby. Lots of options for every possibility.

[tinkr2]

A well deserved thank you to the moderator who removed those posts by the "gentleman" who constantly trolls these boards, just waiting to disrupt a thread with his hate for kids on cruises.

He's been doing it for as long as I have been on CC. Why let him continue?

I was wondering what the one poster meant about loving her retorts. Guess I will have to imagine them:rolleyes:

[DrivesLikeMario]

Also, take a few of her favorite toys from home. It'll give her some familiar comfort. And, buy a few new things to keep her occupied. She'll be on information overload, so expect erratic naps and sleeping patterns.

 

One other word of advice from a mother who has traveled a lot with her kids - just DO IT! Don't let anyone stop you and don't let the nasty looks stop you either. Although we started later than you did (kids were about 7 & 9 yrs.), it still broadened their horizons, helped them understand that not everyone lives like we do, helped expand their vocabulary and gave them a sense of confidence.

 

Today, they're a CPA and an Actuary and thank us quite often for the traveling they experienced. It makes great family memories too. ;)

Edited January 6, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[oceanplus]

Hi!

 

Four years ago we cruised to Bermuda on the Summit with our son, his wife and our 1 year old grandchild. The experience was a very good one for everyone!

 

We were able to grab two of those very large aft family veranda stateroom with a separate (with a door!) livingroom area and a supersize verandah. Try to get at least one of them, the corner one if possible as there is a hallway between the two doors that give access to the stateroom. A very useful place to store the stroller! The only downside was that on a M-Class ship it is impossible to connect the verandahs but we survived! On a S-Class ship, look for a larger verandah and for connecting staterooms as verandahs can be opened.

 

The verandah was utilized a lot: we brought outside the park'play, we installed an inflatable pool for the baby to have some fun, we order meals from room service... The floor outside is very rough and I knew that prior departure; so I packed a very inexpensive tarp to be used as the "play area" in order to avoid the baby to harm herself while playing. A very useful thing! We also bing a smaller inflatable pool ($1) that fit into the shower area for bathing easily the baby. Bring a light inexpensive pump to ease the operation of inflating those things.

 

Forget the whole pool area: it is a lot too noisy for a baby and plan your day otherwise.

 

On formal nights in order to let other passengers enjoy their evening, we ate on the balcony: it was a very wise decision as the baby was able to play in the park'play and appeared to appreciate receiving some treats from the table. Don't forget to order everything you need as you will receive only what you ordered. Eat the main course first (you can order two plates!) and then the salad or the appetizer. Believe me: lambs chops eaten with fingers are better!

 

We then put the baby to sleep and enjoyed all together the evening on the verandah or we stayed there alone while our son and his wife had some "time off" on the ship. Bring something that will able you to listen to the baby while sitting on the verandah.

 

When we had meals in the dining room, we took turns to bring the baby outside for a little while and brought her back around the table before her next "private excursion" outside. No problem at all and a lot of smiles from everyone around.

 

Prior departure, we had ordered baby food and everything we ordered was in a box in the stateroom. Bring everything else you need as you will not find any "baby stuff" on the ship and you cannot presume that you will find ashore what you need.

 

Four adults can easily take care of a baby and still find ways to have a wonderful vacation. It might look like you have to bring a lot of things but those little extras will make a HUGE difference in the comfort of everyone.

 

As grandparents, we would happily repeat the experience.

 

Enjoy your cruise!