SueKayL Posted March 8, 2007 #1 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Ok folks... Have you ever cruised with a 1-1/2 year old? Would you do it again, or would you advise waiting until the child is old enough to participate in the children's program? My husband and I are frequent cruisers and thought it would be fun to do a family cruise with our adult married children. My son-in-law has concerns about taking his 1-1/2 year old daughter on the cruise and thinks babies do not belong on cruise ships. They will not leave her behind so that is not an option...it's take her or not go on the family cruise. I am willing to help with her to give him and my daughter a break to have some time alone. I have been on lots of cruises, and don't mind not doing everything I usually do as we go several times a year. I would LOVE to spend a week with my daughter's family as they live out of state and I only see them for a couple days every few months. We have a balcony room and they have an inside room right across the hall...my daughter is being realistic and knows it will be a hassle but still wants to go...it's selling her husband on the idea. They are thinking of canceling their reservation because of his doubts. They went on a cruise for their honeymoon a few years ago and both loved cruising. SO, is he right? Is it just too much trouble and expense to do a cruise with our little one?:confused: We are presently booked on the Caribbean Princess for Nov 4...3 sea days, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and the private island as ports. I have been reading this site and getting alot of tips regarding cruising with babies and many of you seem very knowlegable on the subject so what do you think? Grammy Sue in Michigan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerry's Girls Posted March 8, 2007 #2 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Many, many of us have cruised with toddlers and had a wonderful time. I don't think there is any better way to travel with a toddler than on a cruise. I took my twins alone (just the three of us) when they were 13 months, 20 months and again at 2 years old and we had the time of our lives each time. I understand your son-in-laws view. I cruised many, many times with just my husband and I wouldn't have thought cruises were good for babies either, but it turns out cruises are good for couples AND for families with babies/toddlers. It's just a different kind of trip with baby (like everything else in life). Especially since you'll be there too, you all should absolutely have an amazing time. By reading these boards you'll find a lot of great tips for making it even more enjoyable. Best, Mia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2sz Posted March 8, 2007 #3 Share Posted March 8, 2007 Hello. From our experiences, we have actually found it easier and more enjoyable to take our kids on cruises than on some land vacations we've taken. My 4 year old daughter is going on her 5th and my 1 1/2 year old son is going on his 2nd. We have cruised with my daughter when she was 1 1/2 and it was on a Princess ship too. She was too young for the kid's programs then but they allowed us to go into the Kid's Crew area as long as we stayed with her at all times. They also let her play with their toys and Legos and let her watch the videos with the other kids. She also really loved going into the kiddie pool. It also helped to have the Princess dining option then since we were able to go to dinner whenever we wanted. We had also taken our son when he was 14 months and had no problems. My kids went to most of the activities with us and some of the night shows. They loved the lights and all the sounds (just make sure you're near an exit when they start getting bored). They were also perfectly fine when we took them on excursions and tours. We have just learned to be prepared by bringing along plenty of toys, books and DVDs to keep them entertained when we're in the cabin. Though, I can understand your son in-law's apprehension, cruising with kids really isn't that much trouble as some people may think. We have been able to enjoy the cruise ship experience and all the ports with some adjustments, a little bit more luggage and more patience than usual. Your kids are actually very lucky that you will be there to give them some time alone and help out with their daughter. I hope your son in-law changes his mind. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agabbymama Posted March 8, 2007 #4 Share Posted March 8, 2007 It all depends on what you want out of the vacation. If babysitting and not participating is what you want, then go for it. My kids always went with us on vacations. We didn't cruise, we camped or visited family, but it was always as a family. Now I'm 60, and I want to be free to enjoy the sights and excursions myself, so NO, I wouldn't take a 1 1/2 year old on a cruise. As a matter of fact, my 6 1/2 year old granddaughter wants to go on a cruise with me, and I told her she had to be 10. I want to be sure she understands and knows how to behave before taking her on such a venture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lchavez Posted March 9, 2007 #5 Share Posted March 9, 2007 We just got back from a 10 day Panama Canal cruise with my family (grandparents) and my 10 month old! It was GREAT! I would do it again in a heart-beat. No I didn't get to go to all the shows, and play in the casino all night, but that didn't matter. We had quality time together, my husband and I would swith off in the evenings, while the baby was sleeping if we wanted to go do something with the rest of the group - and I could just on the balcolny all day and night and be fine! Being on the ship, not having to cook or clean, and just resting was great for us! I was not into a lot of excursions, we just bummed around town, and then headed back to the ship - no big deal. We did go to a couple of beaches and hotels that we could take the baby swimming , in since he could not on the ship. It was all good - I say do it - and just enjoy the relaxation of it all. Lisa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebeccalouise Posted March 9, 2007 #6 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I am going to be the fly in the ointment and agree that they should wait until their baby can go to the youth programs. It will really be a nice vacation for all then. What I enjoyed the most during those hell on wheels toddler days was staying in a condo or home of a family member. It is fun to have the whole doting family around and it does make life easier for the parents. If there is a pool, that's even better. If there isn't a long flight or car ride involved- that makes it more relaxing too. If you would like to do a resort, I highly recommend the Reefs in Bermuda. I took my then 13 month old there and they had babysitting at night. The Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando was also a nice resort with plenty to do and some babysitting there too. Anyway, just my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueKayL Posted March 9, 2007 Author #7 Share Posted March 9, 2007 I would like to thank all of you who have responded to my question already...I have told my daughter (who lives in Kentucky) to get on here and read the comments...she is not a regular CruiseCritic reader but I told her about the "Family Cruise" topic discussion site, and how much I have learned on here regarding things to take to make cruising with a toddler easier..and that I have posted this question for comments.. Please keep the comments coming, negatives and positives...we really want to be realistic about what we can expect. Grammy Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mruhaak Posted March 9, 2007 #8 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Any vacation I have taken with my young son(s) (3.5 and 9 months) isn't what you would call a "relaxing" vacation. If you have traveled with young children before you have experienced this! I think as long as you know this going in and that is OK with you then go ahead. If you want a relaxing cruise vacation, definitely no. If you want a family vacation at sea then go for it! You just have to adjust your expectations as to what activities you will be able to participate in. I would recommend that you cruise on a ship that has an evening buffet or alternate meal options for the evening. Young children do not always do well having to sit for a long meal. Some peoples children seem to do okay, but I can tell you that mine did not. One thing I love about cruising is I do not have to cook any meals or clean up after them! That alone is a vacation for a mother of young children!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerry's Girls Posted March 9, 2007 #9 Share Posted March 9, 2007 One thing I love about cruising is I do not have to cook any meals or clean up after them! That alone is a vacation for a mother of young children!:D Absolutely! Also, as opposed to a resort or condo vacation, you'll have the same waiter each night, so when you go for dinner, the high chair is all set. Our waiters also always took special care to have the girls bread sticks and milk all set at their place, so it was a really nice way for mom to finally have some civilized meals! Walk in, plop the baby in the high chair with some toys, eat as many courses as possible before baby is restless (I only didn't get all the way through once, though I was always ready to bolt at the first peep). Of course, taking a cruise with children is not as relaxing as going without children (nothing in life is!), but unless your family is willing to put off vacations for years - something I'm not willing to do - a cruise is the most relaxing way to go with a baby/toddler. Best, Mia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mapman_2004 Posted March 9, 2007 #10 Share Posted March 9, 2007 We are about to go with our 11 month old daughter. We have really thought things out, read these posts, and are quite ready and excited to go! Your son-in-law will be lucky to have you along to help with the baby. I tried to talk my parents into joining us, as excited as they were at the thought, they could not go because of my dad's knee surgery. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mruhaak Posted March 9, 2007 #11 Share Posted March 9, 2007 You're right!! There are certainly other types of vacation you take that can be much more stressful with a toddler. Several years ago I camped in a popup camper with a toddler for a week! That's a lot of work!!! And not a lot of fun for Mommy! I'll take the cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinmama06 Posted March 9, 2007 #12 Share Posted March 9, 2007 Sorry but if I was your daughter I would just leave the hubby at home and go with you and the grandchild. :p Babies belong on cruiseships, as do toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children. As I have said MANY MANY times here before. Both of my children started cruising at 8 months old. My 2 year old is going on her 4th cruise in August and my 7 year old her 5th. I am taking a mom's group with us in August and there will be 14 kids under the age of 4. :eek: So if we can do it with 14 kids, then you all can do it with 1. And I travel all over the place with and without the hubby but I ALWAYS bring the kids. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kerry's Girls Posted March 10, 2007 #13 Share Posted March 10, 2007 Sorry but if I was your daughter I would just leave the hubby at home and go with you and the grandchild. :p why didn't I think of that??? I am taking a mom's group with us in August and there will be 14 kids under the age of 4. :eek: So if we can do it with 14 kids, then you all can do it with 1. I wish we were going! You could start a group cruise of your own - I'd join you! You're my cruise hero... Best, Mia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikaula Posted March 10, 2007 #14 Share Posted March 10, 2007 I'm a grammy too and we just went in October with my daughter, her husband their two kids and our son. Our grandson was almost 3 and our granddaughter was 16 months. We had a fabulous time!!! The kids got lots of attention from the crew and felt really special. We had a balcony and they had an inside down the hall. We all had such a wonderful time we are going again for Thanksgiving this year. Our grandson askes every couple weeks when we are going on the "big boat" again. He wants to see Ed. Ed was a wonderful waiter that always brought him extra cherries for his drink. I will admit it was different cruising with the little ones. Our daughter kept thanking us for babysitting - we did quite often so they could go off alone but actually we had just as much fun with the kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting_Cruiser Posted March 10, 2007 #15 Share Posted March 10, 2007 DD was 21 months old on our first cruise, and we had a wonderful time! For us, cruising is the best way to travel as a family. Now that DD is 11 (she'll be going on her 6th cruise this summer), cruising is easier, but it was great even when she was too young for Camp Carnival. As others have said, your DD and SIL will need to have realistic expectations, but with your willingness to babysit for them so they can have some alone time I would think they would be jumping at the opportunity! :p JMHO Personally, I think cruising is a great family vacation--there's something for everyone. :) Jayne :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinmama06 Posted March 10, 2007 #16 Share Posted March 10, 2007 I wish we were going! You could start a group cruise of your own - I'd join you! You're my cruise hero... Best' date=' Mia[/quote'] Well so far we have 7 rooms and I can see that at least 2 more rooms will be booked in the next week...so we will get "group" status by next week. :D And with group status comes group rates. Our rates are soooo low already it's sick. I can't wait to see what the group rate becomes. Come on and join us. Camp Carnival better put some extra staff on that week. ;) :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mruhaak Posted March 10, 2007 #17 Share Posted March 10, 2007 I'm in for August too... I wish! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
myraid Posted March 11, 2007 #18 Share Posted March 11, 2007 We took my son on a cruise last December- he was 20 months old. It was the best vacation we have ever had. We had my parents with us, thinking that we would need a break every now and then (that's not why they came, but we thought it would be a nice fringe benefit of them coming). Well, we never ONCE left him with them. We were just having too much fun with him! We are doing it again this December (frankly, I would do it again tomorrow if I could afford to cruise twice a year)! I hope it works out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom of three 1971 Posted March 11, 2007 #19 Share Posted March 11, 2007 We just returned in Feb from a 5 night on RCCL Enchantment of the Seas. Our daughter was 20 months on the cruise. She had a fantastic time! Yes, she was to young for the kids programs but that gave her older sister, who is 5 some time to feel as though something was all about her! The baby loved the pool and the beaches and the ice cream!!! She also very much enjoyed walks along the deck in her stroller. She sat through the dining room dinner every night except for one. She had a very relaxing nap every afternoon (while her sister enjoyed not having to wait to do things until her sister woke up because she went to the kids club!) Some simple things you can do to make things easier. Bring bedding if you plan to use a pack and play...what they give you is pretty skimpy and kids sleep better with their own things anyway. If you don't have a simple umbrella stroller...get one they are light and fold up easily. If your toddler likes to watch tv..ours is a Wiggles nut, purcase a portable DVD player. This got us through dinner every night, once our baby was done eating she would relax and watch a show. This was also helpful on the plane. We had an in room sitter one night for a couple of hours who was very nice and the price was reasonable...check with the concierge or guest services. All in all we decided that this was a FAMILY trip and we focused on that knowing that someday the kids would be grown and we'd be back and the spa and casino would still be there. We have two more cruises booked and the baby loves to pull out cruise brochures and point to the ship pictures. Seriously, consider going there were quite a few little ones on our ship and they all seemed to enjoy it. We have wonderful priceless memories (and pictures!) of this trip! Have a great time and don't forget to let us know how it was!!:p :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted March 11, 2007 #20 Share Posted March 11, 2007 Ok folks... Have you ever cruised with a 1-1/2 year old? Would you do it again, or would you advise waiting until the child is old enough to participate in the children's program? My husband and I are frequent cruisers and thought it would be fun to do a family cruise with our adult married children. My son-in-law has concerns about taking his 1-1/2 year old daughter on the cruise and thinks babies do not belong on cruise ships. They will not leave her behind so that is not an option...it's take her or not go on the family cruise. I am willing to help with her to give him and my daughter a break to have some time alone. I have been on lots of cruises, and don't mind not doing everything I usually do as we go several times a year. I would LOVE to spend a week with my daughter's family as they live out of state and I only see them for a couple days every few months. We have a balcony room and they have an inside room right across the hall...my daughter is being realistic and knows it will be a hassle but still wants to go...it's selling her husband on the idea. They are thinking of canceling their reservation because of his doubts. They went on a cruise for their honeymoon a few years ago and both loved cruising. SO, is he right? Is it just too much trouble and expense to do a cruise with our little one?:confused: We are presently booked on the Caribbean Princess for Nov 4...3 sea days, St. Thomas, St. Martin, and the private island as ports. I have been reading this site and getting alot of tips regarding cruising with babies and many of you seem very knowlegable on the subject so what do you think? Grammy Sue in Michigan Go over to Celebrity and read about 3 from the last message written by a daddy that took his twins on a cruise. It probably is the best review I have seen on the subject. After you read that you can decide. There is no right answer: I wouldn't think of taking a child that couldn't take part in the kids activity, couldn't play in any of the pools, couldn't go to the shows and would have to either sit still for 90 minutes through dinner or eat every meal in the buffet. That is just me, others as you can see here think it is a great experience. NMnita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueKayL Posted March 12, 2007 Author #21 Share Posted March 12, 2007 Well, reading your posts has been very interesting...now it's just up to my daughter and son-in-law if they want to do it or not.....they will be reading all your comments also and then this week will make up their minds....time to get airfare and precruise plans booked if they are going.. thank you again for your input! Grammy Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onessa Posted March 12, 2007 #22 Share Posted March 12, 2007 If your daughter is still reading, here is my experience. I have cruised with my DD (now 11YO) since she was a infant. The infant/toddler-aged cruises were all just DH, DD and me (a two-to-one ratio!). We spent all of our time together. Planned DD's schedule around our dining times - - and while we had a few times when one of us needed to excuse themself to deal with a starting-to-get-fussy baby/toddler, 90% of our meals were completely uneventful. As she grew older, she participated more and more in cruise planning and cruise activities. She enjoys travelling - including cruises. We find cruises a great family vacation. A little over a year ago, we joined my BIL, his wife and his daughter (then about 16MO) on an AK cruise. It was quite lovely (of course we had a five-to-one ratio of big person to toddler!). Again it was a great family time. They chose to use in-room sitting during dinner a few times, but DN (darling niece) joined us in the dining room several evenings. The table of 60+YOs at the table two away from us were far more disruptive than any of the kids in the area (none of them seemed to use their 'inside voices', many were drunk before they started dinner, and they were VERY rude to the wait staff). There was plenty to do with the 16MO. we brought an inflatable splash pool ( - hey they are from MN, we are from WI - it wasn't THAT cool on deck!), a little "pop-up" tent thingy she used as her own personal 'fort', we walked the decks, we played major-league Hide-and-seek (DN and DD would hide together), and did all kinds of cool stuff on shore. As others said, travelling with children isn't the same vacation as travelling without, but that doesn't mean it isn't fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueKayL Posted March 12, 2007 Author #23 Share Posted March 12, 2007 My daughter just printed out the responses so far for my SIL to read....and is feeling even better about going with us after reading the responses.....we may even have a 6-1 ratio if my son and daughter-in-law join us too..they are considering it... they just got off the Carnival Miracle yesterday (my DIL's first cruise and she loved it)...and we hope they also join us...(they do not have any little ones yet) I used to camp in a pop-up camper with my kids beginning when they were 1-1/2 and 3 years of age...I can't believe anything would be harder than that! (especially when it rained:( ) but the good times far outweighed the hassle! Just spending a week wiith all of them would be a treat for me.....(without me having to do any grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, or organizing outings) :D which would happen if we would rent a condo in a resort area...like I first thought I would do when thinking about a "family" vacation! My husband and I just did back to back 7-day cruises last month on the Crown Princess...there were lot's of families cruising together (3 generations)....that is what inspired me to try to plan this! Grammy Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinmama06 Posted March 12, 2007 #24 Share Posted March 12, 2007 You are a wonderful Grammy. :D You'll have to come back and let us know what they decided. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SueKayL Posted March 13, 2007 Author #25 Share Posted March 13, 2007 I love being a Grammy so it's easy to be a good one!:D It's looking better all the time for ALL of us to go...I am keeping my fingers crossed! Most folks I know enjoy being with their "children" even when those "children" are in their 30's! One couple we met while sailing on the Crown last month PAID for balcony staterooms for their 3 adult children and their spouses to go with them on the cruise....they said their kids would probably not choose to pay for a vacation with them so they just paid. I thought that was a little sad:( ... the guy said "We told them 'no birth control will be used on board if you go'" He really caught me off guard:eek: ... then he laughed and said "we are really tired of waiting for grandchildren!" WoW! I thought he was serious at first!:rolleyes: Grammy Sue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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