Lifejackets for kids on excursions

[new2cruisewfamily]

Hi - first time cruising and will be with my 7 yr old. We are going to Caymans, Labadee, & Cozumel where we expect to be snorkeling and playing on water toys on excursions outside of the ship. Should I take his lifejacket with us in case someplace would not have a lifejacket available? He can swim but is not a strong swimmer. Thanks for the help

[ellecruiser]

I haven't been to these places but thought I'd mention that if you don't get a reply here you could try the "ports of call" forum :)

[silentbob007]

I've never taken a snorkeling excrusion where they didn't offer a life jacket of some sort ... and most make them mandatory anyway. I'm not sure about offerings for water toys.

[BaumD]

Doubtful they would let you off the ship with one of their life jackets.

[turtle0215]

That's a good question. I also have a 7 yr old and have been debating about packing her life vest for the excursions that we are going on. We are not doing the excursions offered by the cruise. We are just going to hang out at a beach that has good snorkeling. I guess we could rent one from somewhere around the beach area? Does anyone know or should I just bring it in case.

[GORDONCHICK]

That's a good question. I also have a 7 yr old and have been debating about packing her life vest for the excursions that we are going on. We are not doing the excursions offered by the cruise. We are just going to hang out at a beach that has good snorkeling. I guess we could rent one from somewhere around the beach area? Does anyone know or should I just bring it in case.

 

You will need to bring it since you're not doing excursions. Some may have them to rent, but I wouldn't count on that. We used to pack DS's when he was younger. Was always glad I did.

[floridacruzin]

If you ARE using an excursion they will have the necessary life jackets for your 7yo..we cruised last year with our 6yo.

 

If you are not you should bring it with you

 

For toys we always bring a water noodle to float on

[GORDONCHICK]

For toys we always bring a water noodle to float on

 

How do you pack that? I'd love to bring a couple.

[KSCPA]

My son (12) and I are both bringing ours..if I can fit them in the suitcase...were wearing them on the plane (can never be too careful..LOL)...we have our own snorkeling equip...I want us to be safe...plus it will help so we do not get tired too quickly.

ALSO, I wanted to bring a blow up float (have a pump) has anyone ever done this??

Kris

[new2cruisewfamily]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to take our own because we will be visiting beaches to just swim or use water toys without going through the ships excursions. I would rather have and not need than need and not have especially due to safety.