Jump to content

Food for toddlers


costa del sol cruiser

Recommended Posts

We are taking our first cruise in just under a month on RCCL, Voyager of the Seas.

 

Our son will be 14 months old at the time. In the dining room do they let you order for them? He is a really good eater and will pretty much try anything. Can we for example have half a chicken breast for him with a small portion of potatoes and vegetables. It would be a waste to order full meals but doubtless he would get through some of it!!!!

 

Any ideas or information would be great.

 

Doubtless to say we are beside ourselves with excitement and have been counting down since we booked about 9 months ago!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are taking our first cruise in just under a month on RCCL, Voyager of the Seas.

 

Our son will be 14 months old at the time. In the dining room do they let you order for them? He is a really good eater and will pretty much try anything. Can we for example have half a chicken breast for him with a small portion of potatoes and vegetables. It would be a waste to order full meals but doubtless he would get through some of it!!!!

 

Any ideas or information would be great.

 

Doubtless to say we are beside ourselves with excitement and have been counting down since we booked about 9 months ago!!!

 

You can pretty much do whatever you want.

 

I doubt that they will make your servings smaller but I would not worry about it. You can always offer your table mates to sample the dish after you take the portion your child will eat.

 

I always order 2-3 entree's. I have a "main" one that I am going to eat and then I let my table mates know that I am ordering the one or two extra to sample (because they sound so good) and everyone is invited to share in the plate, if they want.

 

sometimes it takes a little cajoling, or a few meals for table mates to get comfortable....but, by the end of the cruise, everyone is sharing and sampling and having a great time!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They will accomodate you any way you need them to. If your child eats just noodles with butter. Then they will make that. Your child can order off the adult or child menu.

 

Here is the kid's menu for RCCL ships

 

Lunch Specials:

Quesadilla

Mini Turkey Wrap

Tuna Salad

Veggies and Ranch dip

 

Favorites:

Tomato and cheese pizza

Macaroni and Cheese

Adventure Burger: Hamburger or Cheeseburger

Sea Dog

Pasta: plain, tomato, or meat sauce

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Peanut Butter Sandwich

 

Sweet Tooth:

Jell-O or Pudding

Cookies

Mini Brownie Madness

Selection of Ice Creams

 

Dinner Selections:

Soup of the Day

Chicken Fingers

Catch of the Day: Grilled or broiled

Cheese Ravioli: Plain or red sauce

Grilled Black Angus Steak

Grilled Chicken Breast

Vegetable Stir-Fry

 

Meals are served with fresh fruit, vegetables and a choice of rice, mashed potatoes or French fries.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One of my 13 month old twins had salmon almost every night of our cruise, plus all kinds of soups and always ate part of my entree. And she practically dove out of my arms each night to get to the bread sticks. Cruising is a great way for kids to get to try all kinds of food. (My other twin had fettucini alfredo every night - oh well).

 

Best,

Mia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One of my 13 month old twins had salmon almost every night of our cruise' date=' plus all kinds of soups and always ate part of my entree. And she practically dove out of my arms each night to get to the bread sticks. Cruising is a great way for kids to get to try all kinds of food. (My other twin had fettucini alfredo every night - oh well).

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

Mine ate ravioli EVERY single night. :rolleyes: And the youngest wanted the adult salad with her ravioli...lol. So at least she got some veggies.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mine ate ravioli EVERY single night. :rolleyes: And the youngest wanted the adult salad with her ravioli...lol. So at least she got some veggies.

 

Thank goodness mine already eats salmon!

 

So far we have avoided junk food (besides little bites of stuff at Costco/Sams) We even send him with lunch to daycare because, let's face it, (at my daycare) all they serve is J-U-N-K!

 

Just because the "steak fingers" are cut into bite sized pieces, that doesn't make them a good choice to eat!

 

As long as I wield the food power, he will eat healthy or go hungry! :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank goodness mine already eats salmon!

 

So far we have avoided junk food (besides little bites of stuff at Costco/Sams) We even send him with lunch to daycare because, let's face it, (at my daycare) all they serve is J-U-N-K!

 

Just because the "steak fingers" are cut into bite sized pieces, that doesn't make them a good choice to eat!

 

As long as I wield the food power, he will eat healthy or go hungry! :D

 

Oh mine eat salmon too. But on a cruise where the servers were listening to them and not me....lol. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh mine eat salmon too. But on a cruise where the servers were listening to them and not me....lol. ;)

 

Oh I dread the day that I finally give in to that cute little face that wields so much more power than it currently knows....!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One of my 13 month old twins had salmon almost every night of our cruise' date=' plus all kinds of soups and always ate part of my entree. And she practically dove out of my arms each night to get to the bread sticks. Cruising is a great way for kids to get to try all kinds of food. (My other twin had fettucini alfredo every night - oh well).

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

This is one of my favorite things about cruising--all of the new foods to try! Let your little one taste a little bit of everything and try to stay away from the kids menu, if you can.:o

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all your comments. It´s good to know we will be able to get him pretty much anything he wants!!!!

 

We are still a little apprehensive given all the negative threads and messages on here regarding travelling with kids (big or small) and really hope we are not ignored by everyone!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all your comments. It´s good to know we will be able to get him pretty much anything he wants!!!!

 

We are still a little apprehensive given all the negative threads and messages on here regarding travelling with kids (big or small) and really hope we are not ignored by everyone!!!

 

Remember this and don't forget it. ;)

 

The people at CC are a SMALL minority of actual cruisers. We have only EVER encountered ONE person on all of our cruises that made a comment about cruising with kids. And it wasn't a crew member. The crew members will fall all over your child and treat him like a little prince. You will be amazed how well he is treated.

 

The ONE person we encountered was an elderly woman on a tender boat that looked at my youngest and said "I can't imagine how awful it is for the little child to cruise. It must be exhausting for her" :rolleyes:

 

I smiled and said "Actually she loves it and it's her favorite thing to do" ;) :p

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We are still a little apprehensive given all the negative threads and messages on here regarding travelling with kids (big or small) and really hope we are not ignored by everyone!!!

 

Michelle is right - not only are the complainers a small minority, they're also much more vocal in this anonymous setting. Michelle will always be ahead of my on number of cruises (not that I'm not trying to catch up), but after three cruises with toddler twins, I have not had any negative experiences or comments. As for being ignored - I swear it gets to the point where I feel like I need to get away to have some time alone with my girls. Any time we walk on the ship it takes us twice as long because so many people stop to talk, and forget about having dinner just the three of us - we're bombarded by staff and passengers coming by to talk.

 

You'll have a great time.

 

Best,

Mia

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As for being ignored - I swear it gets to the point where I feel like I need to get away to have some time alone with my girls. Any time we walk on the ship it takes us twice as long because so many people stop to talk' date=' and forget about having dinner just the three of us - we're bombarded by staff and passengers coming by to talk.

[/quote']

 

We cruised with our little one for the first time last month...and we were surprised by this. I always felt like I had to be "on" because we were stopped everywhere we went. She woke up at 5am one morning so I took her for a stroll on the Lido deck...I wish I had thrown something better on, because it was amazing the number of people up and out at that hour...and everyone wanted to visit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

we're bombarded by staff and passengers coming by to talk.

Best' date='

Mia[/quote']

 

That's another thing that I forgot. I swear the staff is trained to address EVERY child instead of just walking past. On RCCL, the crew would never just walk past the kids. They would stop and say "High 5!" or hold out their hand and say "Good morning princesses" :D

 

You will be exhausted by all of the attention. And you will miss it when you go home. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cruisingmama... I can't decide if I like you or you annoy me. I think you remind me too much of me! :D Maybe we'll meet one of these days, well that's if you do a Princess cruise cos that's mostly where I cruise. One thing I know, you're up on the kids stuff. I was talking to my DD the other day on the car seats and told her the same thing BUT if you said it was good it probably was. By the way, that translates to - you must be a heck of a person...LOL.

 

We were on a cruise with family. Every morning we took our GS to the buffet while my DD and SIL got up and dressed. Every single worker said good morning to him, ran to get his juice, couldn't do enough. A short walk, no problem. The second day out we take a tender with him. Eventually my DD has him alone. She comes up to me later that night and says it was a really annoying day. Passengers and crew kept coming up and saying 'Hi Michael" to my GS then asking them who they were. Knew him, not them. Ticked her off really.

 

Then he took a tour of the kitchen with one of the waiters in the buffet. Then took a tour of the kitchen in the restaurant. My SIL was a little posessive about them grabbing his son and taking him, but heck he'd been there before. The waiters just wanted the kitchen staff to see a cute kid.

 

They LOVE kids. Their own, nieces, nephews - they miss them and they love to attend to yours.

 

On our first cruise my DD was 7. She'd walk into the restaurant and 4 waiters would run to greet her and escort her to her table. I swear older women were jealous. On the dance floor she danced with the CD. I told her to leave people alone while they were working (I was talking about the Captain). As he finishes his speech and leaves the stage he walks by her, grabs her and pulls her with him. So much for manners. It was too funny. Oh, then when we were putting out our luggage the last night my DD wants to see what they are doing. She goes out in the hall. I come out 2 minutes later to check on her. She's riding on a dolley being pushing down the hallway by the crew. Now they're coming back....ooops ride again. Luggage, lots and lots of luggage. My DD must have looked like luggage cos they tossed her up too.

 

Now before anyone gets upset I was watching them, she was never in danger or harm's way. They deck crew was just having fun and so was she. And believe me, if she wasn't safe it wouldn't have happened.

 

The only thing I'd recommend is order for him right away so he gets his food - we always had chicken fingers and strawberries waiting - and be prepared to take short walks to distract him.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

All this is fantastic and making me feel loads better about taking our son on his(and our) first cruise. He is such an outgoing baby that anyone paying him any kind of attention will make his day even if I will need a long rest afterwards! Am also very glad to hear that the negativity is not widley received. Thanks to everyone for their help.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On our family cruise on the Celebrity Mercury last November my daughter and I decided to lunch in the main dining room, Her daughter was 3 months old at the time. Just as our food came she started to fuss a little. One of the waiters came over and told us that he had a new daughter the same age that he had never met yet and would we mind if he held her and walked her around while we ate, so he could practice for when he would be going home in a month. As soon as my daughter handed the baby to him he walked over to a small group of waiters and they just ohh'd and ahh'd over her....and she immediately quieted down. It seems the staff love love love kids, and they will do anything for them.

 

We have traveled many times with small children and without a doubt, our experiences have been extremely positive. The staff and the passengers have, with very few exceptions, been amazingly supportive and kind.

 

Have no fear, you are going to have a wonderful time!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I love your replies as well. We have a very different situation in that our son is 29 but developmentally about 3. He is autistic and non verbal -- but a real sweetheart most of the time.

 

On our 1st cruise -- he was 19 years old and quickly won over the stewards and bar staff. My husband and I do not drink - but enjoy the occasional Virgin Drink of the Day. We will usually get our son 1 special drink each day as well (Virgin of course). On the second day of our 1st cruise - we had had our special drinks for the day -- when the bar tender came over with a second one for our son.

 

MY husband and I didn't say anything -- our son was delighted and we just signed the sail and sign slip since our son was obviously so very pleased. About 1/2 hour later a different waiter came over with another one and this time my DH spoke up and said -- we hadn't ordered any more (all that sugar -- oh oh) -- to which the waiter said --- by your DS did. It turned out that they were interpreting his sweet smile and wagging finger as his sign that he wanted another drink.

 

After we formerly informed the bar staff not to listen (tee hee -- he doesn't make any sounds at all) to our son -- they just started "smuggling" him complimentary watered down versions. At least we didn't have to worry about him getting lost. If he ever wandered off -- we just had to look for his favorite bar staff (Ricardo) and he was always right behind him.

 

The staff are wonderful with children of all ages and sizes (even the 180 lb. ones).

 

You will have a fantastic time.

 

Tracey

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On our family cruise on the Celebrity Mercury last November my daughter and I decided to lunch in the main dining room, Her daughter was 3 months old at the time.

 

We too went on a cruise last month with our 3 month old (at the time) son on RCCL's Explorer, and he was the star of the cruise. We were constantly being mobbed by people who wanted to see him (especially if we were carrying him around in a pouch), and all the staff fawned all over him. A lot of them had children at home that they missed, and just wanted to play with him a little. We did not have a single negative comment by anyone. We are planning to cruise with him again in March, when he'll be 9 months, and I hope to have a positive experience again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cruisingmama... I can't decide if I like you or you annoy me. I think you remind me too much of me! :D Maybe we'll meet one of these days, well that's if you do a Princess cruise cos that's mostly where I cruise. One thing I know, you're up on the kids stuff. I was talking to my DD the other day on the car seats and told her the same thing BUT if you said it was good it probably was. By the way, that translates to - you must be a heck of a person...LOL.

 

Well I hope I don't annoy you! :eek: ;)

 

I will have to do a Princess Cruise sometime.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for all your comments. It´s good to know we will be able to get him pretty much anything he wants!!!!

 

We are still a little apprehensive given all the negative threads and messages on here regarding travelling with kids (big or small) and really hope we are not ignored by everyone!!!

 

 

Same here! We are cruising next month with our (gasp) 20 month old twin boys. Yup you heard that correctly. I am just dreading getting on the ship and having everyone stare at us like we are from mars or worse say rude things to us. We have every right to take our little ones with us and it's nobody's business. The more I think about it, traveling on a cruise won't be that much different than traveling anywhere with them. If they get hungry, feed them, if they are tired take them back to the cabin for a nap, it's not difficult. And if they act up there are plenty of ways to remove them from the situation so they are not a nuisance to others and half the time we are a tport anyway. I don't know what's up with those on this site who feel the need to bash those who want to spend time with their family. I am sorry that they feel family is such a burden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: Save $2,000 & Sail Away to Australia’s Kimberley
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...

If you are already a Cruise Critic member, please log in with your existing account information or your email address and password.