Cruise with kids

[Ron Burgundy]

Hi all,

 

I'm trying to decide on if i should bring my kids on a cruise before we hit Orlando for 2 weeks.

 

At the time of traveling they will be almost 3, almost 6 and 7. We would be looking at 4 nights on Victory hitting Key West and Cozumel.

 

It would be one stateroom for the 5 of us, which would be tight but its only for 4 nights. I just wonder would there be enough to keep them entertained at sea.

 

Also in the evening after dinner what would the options be for things to do ?? Would it be kids club for them while we grab a glass of wine or are they things the whole family can do ???

 

Any advice would be great, we're traveling from Ireland so its either 4 nights in the Keys or 4 nights on a cruise.

[mikechass]

My kids LOOOOVE cruises.

It was their choice every single time.

We have offered Disney Land, Disney World and the like.

They ALWAYS want to be on a ship over all that stuff.

Go, you will love it, they will love it.

Mine are older but we started cruising 3 years ago. (they are 14 and 11 now)

Go and have a blast!!!

Dinners will be great, the staff are wonderful with kids.

They will love the kids club, the movies, the snacks and the fun!

Enjoy!!!

[Ron Burgundy]

I know about the code of dress for adults but is it the same for children in the dining room ?

 

The evenings is my worry as we want them to have something to do as well.

 

I know what we'll do on port days as we've been to Key West on out honeymoon and want to relive it a bit and in Cozumel we'll do a beach day.

[Manatee Mom]

Hi all,

 

I'm trying to decide on if i should bring my kids on a cruise before we hit Orlando for 2 weeks.

 

At the time of traveling they will be almost 3, almost 6 and 7. We would be looking at 4 nights on Victory hitting Key West and Cozumel.

 

It would be one stateroom for the 5 of us, which would be tight but its only for 4 nights. I just wonder would there be enough to keep them entertained at sea.

 

Also in the evening after dinner what would the options be for things to do ?? Would it be kids club for them while we grab a glass of wine or are they things the whole family can do ???

 

Any advice would be great, we're traveling from Ireland so its either 4 nights in the Keys or 4 nights on a cruise.

 

My kids love cruising! They both started in diapers and are now teenagers. There is definitely enough to keep them entertained on the ship. Camp starts at age 2 so they can attend the activities they like and give you free time. I would recommend bringing walkie talkies so if they want to talk to you (or leave camp) they can get you. They do have some family activities like the 1st night is a family dance/meet and greet, and they have family ice cream eating contests and so on. They will give you a schedule the 1st day of all the activities available.

 

As for Cozumel if you are looking for a kid friendly beach, go to Paradise Beach http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/ This is my kids favorite beach anywhere!!!!

 

This is a video of our kids when they were younger to get an idea of life on board and the 1st beach is Paradise Beach, Enjoy!!!

[Ron Burgundy]

Paradise beach was where i was looking at.

 

I have to make this decision by myself as its a surprise for my wife and kids.

 

As the stateroom will be fairly tight with us all in it i think we'll spend as little time as possible in it.

 

We will pay for one evening out for just us i think.

[ericrz]

Especially on Carnival, there's always something for kids to do. My daughter (almost 10) has been on three cruises so far, starting when she was three (with the fourth next month). We've also cruised with our young nephew twice (while he was under 5) and our other nephew (2) is joining us next month.

 

During the day on sea days, you can hang out by the pool with your kids; you can play mini-golf, you can spend money in the arcade, or your kids can spend time in Camp Ocean with new friends. In the evenings, it sort of depends -- are your kids the type who always want to be with other kids? If so, Camp Ocean may be a great place, especially for the two older ones. The 2-year-old, just depends on his/her personality and how well he takes being separated from mom and dad. But there are movies on the big screen, family-friendy comedy and musical shows, etc. that a family can do together, even after dinner.

 

However, be forewarned -- not all Carnival ship classes have staterooms that allow for 5 people. On some ships, you have to rent an expensive suite to get to 5-person occupancy. So you might end up having to rent two adjacent cabins (with connecting door, in many cases). Officially, your name would be on one cabin, with your wife's on the other. Unofficially of course, you can arrange as you see fit.

[A&Jfamily]

My youngest started cruising when he was just shy of 3 on Carnival. He has been on 10+ and is now almost 12 and has loved every one of the cruises. It will make for a much more relaxed portion of your vacation because there is SO much for the kids to do. There are camps for 2-5, 6-8 and 9-11, with 12+ and 15+ having there own meeting places and activities. For the 11 and under, there are activities running from 9am-12, then you pick your child up for lunch until they reopen at 1 and run to 4 or 5 depending on the day. Kids dinner (if mom and dad want to have a quiet one) is available at 6 on the Lido, where they will then take them to camp which opens again from 7-10 pm. In addition, there are things like pools, putt-putt, tea, ping-pong, giant checkers/chess, dive-in-movies and shows to keep the whole family entertained.

 

A typical sea day for us looks like this: Wake and have breakfast in the main dining room as a family at about 8 am. Everyone goes to camp in the morning while mom and dad relax on the balcony, walk the rooftop track, have a drink or just stroll the ship and enjoy being at sea. Pick up the kids at noon for lunch - pizza and burgers are a favorite, and then plan the afternoon. They can look at the schedule and see if they want pool or other family time, but more than not, they chose to go back to camp. If they chose camp, then mom and dad have more downtime! Everyone is back in the room by 4 (if nap needed), or at least by 5 to rest and shower for dinner. We have a nice family dinner at 6, and by 7 the kids are clamoring for camp again. So mom and dad can go to a show, the comedy club or gamble.

 

On shore days, we have breakfast together and head ashore. Key West is a fun and easy place for the kids - highly recommend the trolley that will take you to the southern most point, butterfly museum and all around town. And Cozumel is a great family day; either plan an exciting dolphin encounter and beach day at Chankanaab (book privately as it is half the price) or for a cheaper alternative take a cab to one of the local beaches. Look on the ports of call board for tons of family friendly beach suggestions.

 

I think between 4 days on land and 4 at sea, you will not only find the sea more relaxing, but also more cost effective. I should also say that getting 2 cabins is the way to go - makes for much more room and having 2 bathrooms is invaluable.

 

Your last question about dress code is easy. I dress mine in nice shorts and shirt, or kakhis and polo on casual nights and while we do shirt and tie for elegant evening, for kids that isn't necessary at all.

Edited February 24, 2016 by A&Jfamily

[Ron Burgundy]

Especially on Carnival, there's always something for kids to do. My daughter (almost 10) has been on three cruises so far, starting when she was three (with the fourth next month). We've also cruised with our young nephew twice (while he was under 5) and our other nephew (2) is joining us next month.

 

During the day on sea days, you can hang out by the pool with your kids; you can play mini-golf, you can spend money in the arcade, or your kids can spend time in Camp Ocean with new friends. In the evenings, it sort of depends -- are your kids the type who always want to be with other kids? If so, Camp Ocean may be a great place, especially for the two older ones. The 2-year-old, just depends on his/her personality and how well he takes being separated from mom and dad. But there are movies on the big screen, family-friendy comedy and musical shows, etc. that a family can do together, even after dinner.

 

However, be forewarned -- not all Carnival ship classes have staterooms that allow for 5 people. On some ships, you have to rent an expensive suite to get to 5-person occupancy. So you might end up having to rent two adjacent cabins (with connecting door, in many cases). Officially, your name would be on one cabin, with your wife's on the other. Unofficially of course, you can arrange as you see fit.

 

I've done a quote and 5 fit into the cabin we are looking at so that's ok.

 

The movie idea sounds perfect, we can sip a drink while watching as well.

[Ron Burgundy]

My kids love cruising! They both started in diapers and are now teenagers. There is definitely enough to keep them entertained on the ship. Camp starts at age 2 so they can attend the activities they like and give you free time. I would recommend bringing walkie talkies so if they want to talk to you (or leave camp) they can get you. They do have some family activities like the 1st night is a family dance/meet and greet, and they have family ice cream eating contests and so on. They will give you a schedule the 1st day of all the activities available.

 

As for Cozumel if you are looking for a kid friendly beach, go to Paradise Beach http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/ This is my kids favorite beach anywhere!!!!

 

This is a video of our kids when they were younger to get an idea of life on board and the 1st beach is Paradise Beach, Enjoy!!!

 

 

Great video and nice to see the Man Utd kits.................i'll be at the ground next week for the Watford game !!!

[Keith1010]

I would do it.

 

Keith

[Clarea]

Take the kids, they will remember the experience all their lives.

[Keith1010]

Well, they won't remember the experience but you will and if you are like us and take a lot of photos they will look back at this as young adults and then as adults as our children do.

 

Keith

[mibarron]

My youngest was 4 years old and my oldest was 11 (now 11 and 18) when I took them on their first cruise (Disney Magic) and we've been hooked every since. Cruising is the only way they will vacation. In fact, they have become so spoiled with it, that if I even hint at going on a "regular" vacation and staying at a hotel for a week, they get upset claiming it's going to be so boring seeing the same sites and doing the same things every day. Like I said, spoiled! :p

 

Both kids utilize the kids clubs on every ship we have been to, pretty extensively. In fact, my youngest used to cry when I went to pick him up, because he was having so much fun. Of course, it does depend on the ship and the club staff to make it fun. My oldest is no longer young enough to go to the teen clubs anymore, and he is a little worried about being bored. Until I reminded him of the adult fun available (minus the drinking) and he's happy again!

[Homosassa]

Just a heads up about the children's program. Do not assume that all of your children will like the children's program.

 

My daughter never wanted to be in the children's program (she started cruising at 18 months). She knew that Mom and Dad were where the action was and she wanted to be with us.

 

It wasn't that she was not use to day care or nursery school when a toddler, she just preferred our company, even as a teenager.

[Manatee Mom]

Great video and nice to see the Man Utd kits.................i'll be at the ground next week for the Watford game !!!

 

My son would love to be there!!!!! we did get to see them play in Miami a year ago.

 

I just noticed you signature.....one of my husband's favorites, he actually references it in the Breeze video....https://youtu.be/ItxVGfNHFvQ

 

Don't worry about the dress for the kids, dress shorts, polo shirts or khaki's are fine even on elegant night.

 

The only problem we have with the cabin is the shower and toilet since there is only 1. But i come back from the pool a little earlier than the boys to shower and dress for dinner. Then I go get a drink while they are getting ready.

 

Another thing we did when they were little was take them to the show and got a couch. They would fall asleep and we got to enjoy the show.

[Domergirl]

My kids LOVE cruising. For dinner, sometimes they come with us to the main dining room, and sometimes they go to the "kids dinner" with the Camp Carnival staff. It just depends on the menu (which is available ahead of time). Some nights we hang out together, and sometimes they go to camp, again based on what the camp activities are (the full, detailed program for each age group is available on the first day of the cruise). At least one night, the camp will have a late-night party, and that is our night to hang out in the casino and/or piano bar.

 

For your little one, the camp will give you a cell phone that works on board, so that if they really want you, the counselors will call. We have found that they always let our little one's older sisters cross over into the little kids camp when our little one wants us...and they don't end up calling.

 

My kids (now 12, 11, and 5) are about go on their 8th cruise! Just last year, our youngest shocked us by begging to stay on board on a port day!!! We let her...she just really loves all of the crafts/activities. I'm sure your kids would love it!!

[Ron Burgundy]

Thanks for all the replies, pay day is in two weeks and i'll book it then.

 

I'm only going to tell my wife on Christmas eve..............present sorted:D