Alaska Cruise on Celebrity Solstice in June with little ones

[mom02]

We are going on our first cruise in a few months with extended family. I've been reading a lot of online reviews trying to get a sense of what to expect when cruising with my young children, especially on a "non kid-centric" cruise ship like the Solstice (as opposed to Disney). I haven't read many reviews that give onboard and shore excursion recommendations when it comes to including a toddler and a 5 yr old. Anyone out there have experience with this? I'd appreciate any advice or tips you could give us.

 

(Please don't tell us to just pick another cruise. We are going along with extended family who picked this cruise and they don't have kids)

[Coral]

How old is the toddler?

[greenbbs]

Your kids will be fine. We now have 3, but our first two went on the Ruby Princess when they were 2 and 3 for their first cruise.

 

In May, they will be on their 4th cruise along with our 6 month old.

 

There is a ton to do in any ship, even the non kid centric ones like princess. Kids clubs are usually good. We'd bring an iPad with preloaded games and videos, and coloring books, paper, books, etc. Plus, you'll have port days to do as well!

 

Just remember kiddie Tylenol and Motrin. They usually don't sell liquid versions on ships. We've learned that the hard way! And, just roll with it.....they'll love it!

Edited March 13, 2016 by greenbbs

[mapleleaves]

Very true that there aren't many trip reports with toddlers, especially from Celebrity. I think it's because Alaska is primarily about scenery and since toddlers don't have an appreciation for scenic vistas :), families tend to wait until they're a little older.

But here's a multi generational report from 2013 on Celebrity:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1892881

 

Keep in mind that excursions, activities, etc are similar across all cruiselines ... I mean there are only a handful of ports to visit, right? So look at trip reports from any cruise that includes toddlers .... I know there are few on the 2014 list (in STICKYs above). Whatever activity was successful for a 3 yr old in Ketchikan on a Carnival cruise might be just as successful for your toddler.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2076940

[mom02]

Thank you for the replies!:)