Traveling with Baby Question!

[LE113]

We are considering cruising with our 7 month old and have done some research on it already. We aren't concerned that we'll have to return to the cabin early for his bedtime, that we won't be able to enjoy some of the more adult options on the ship, or that he may need a nap in the middle of the day. That's all fun because we love traveling with our babe. The biggest concern we have has to do with shore excursions. We've cruised before, prior to the baby, and know that most shore excursions with the cruise lines (minus the "private" islands) require you to take a van or bus of some sort to the location. We figured we might just pick the beach days at each stop rather than an actual tour since that would be a little more baby friendly. But I'm assuming there's no way to be certain whether the cruise ship transportation two and from those beach days have a seat belt somewhere in the vehicle so we could lug a car seat with is, am I correct in assuming that?

Anyone who has travelled with littles, do you just hold them on your lap during transportation? Sounds nerve-wracking to me, but I'm sure people do it!

Thanks so much!!

[leaveitallbehind]

Off topic to your questions, but just to be certain you are aware, if you are on an itinerary with more than two consecutive sea days most cruise lines require that your child be no younger than 12 months old as of the sailing date. If that would apply to your itinerary, confirm the policy with your cruise line before booking it.  (You are fine with your 7 month old on itineraries with less than that).

 

As to seat belts for car seats, you are correct that there is likely no way to be certain for sure that they would be present.

Edited December 10, 2018 by leaveitallbehind

[Langoustine]

I have been in taxis in the Caribbean where they have actually removed the rear seatbelts to cram more passengers in. I'm told it's not universally done, but it's something you may run into.

 

[ldubs]

From my experience lack of seat belts is going to be more an exception that a rule.  Anyway,  bring your car seat.  You will be able to work out a safe transit I'm sure.     

 

 

 

[wonderland1]

On 12/10/2018 at 10:01 AM, leaveitallbehind said:

Off topic to your questions, but just to be certain you are aware, if you are on an itinerary with more than two consecutive sea days most cruise lines require that your child be no younger than 12 months old as of the sailing date. If that would apply to your itinerary, confirm the policy with your cruise line before booking it.  (You are fine with your 7 month old on itineraries with less than that).

 

As to seat belts for car seats, you are correct that there is likely no way to be certain for sure that they would be present.

Agree with this.

[donaldsc]

I would also check on the Family Cruises roll call.

 

DON

[angie7911922]

We just held our kids. Ours were 8 months when they went the first time. It worked. It was easy. It was the same as our parents did when we were little before car seats even became a thing. From personal experience (and take this with a grain of salt and do what is best for your family), don't let the little things stop you from enjoying your vacation.