16 month old toddler on Caribbean Princess...can I manage?
Hello all,
My husband and I will be travelling with our 16 month old daughter during the christmas holidays on the caribbean princess. I am so worried that she may get ill, or worse, not enjoy it. I see a struggle happening at every meal setting, and even more problems when she has to sleep (although we have a balcony so while she sleeps, we can still talk!!). Has anyone taken babies around that age on a cruise, and particularly a princess cruise? What was your experience like? Any suggestions? Should I bring something specific that you wished you had brought or did bring? Any advice and suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!
My youngest daughter was 13 months old for her first cruise. We brought an umbrella type stroller...for while we were on deck by the pool...and she slept during the evening shows...we sat up back and near an exit, just in case she fussed.
Meal time was fine..the waiters entertained nicely, lol.
HI Pam, it is done quite often. If you are planning on quiet time it may only be on your balcony, children need to be 3 years old to be in programs. That said there is lots to keep her attention, things going on all the time. Bring her special toys, blanket. Bring extras of needed items, diapers, baby food, snacks!! There are lots of things you can take from the buffet, 24/7, to your cabin and keep it in the fridge for her throughout the day. If the dining room or buffet are a problem, you can always get 24 hour room service!! Have your TA reserve a crib for the cabin. Princess is awesome with little ones!! At night, just going out on deck with her, most are inside at the shows, and it is just beautiful out there, warm, nice breeze, may make her sleepy!!
It also helps if you have some grandparents who like to dote on their grand-baby (Sorry, couldn't resist- we saw just that on on second cruise where a whole family was there with grandparents, kids, and grandkids. The grandfather was out late one night trying to get the baby tired but the kid was having too grand a time with everyone ooing and ahing!)
Our girl was on her first cruise at 23 months, on Carnival, but still too young for the kids' program. My hubby was reluctant to take her but it turned out we all had a great time,including him.
It just takes a bit of planning. Make sure you bring whatever you may need, especially diapers as the ship's store may be very limited (including not having all the sizes and brands). Also take along sippy cups, etc. and dish detergent (even tho' maybe you'll luck out and a crew member may help). Talk to your cabin steward on the first day about what you should do with used diapers/pullups and make sure there's an infant life jacket in your cabin.
If you're flying in for the cruise, pad in some time pre-cruise and head for a store for the diapers, juice boxes, Cheerios (there will be boxed cereal at breakfast, but you'll want to make sure your toddler will get a child friendly type appropriate for her).
You'll find that crew members will dote on your child (many have small kids back home). In the dining room, they'll often bring crackers without asking to the table. As always, judge whether your child is in a good, nongrumpy mood and if she starts getting persnicketly, one of you can do the ol' walk her around outside for a bit. Or skip the dining room that night and take her to the buffet. I recommend the breadsticks as a fun food for kids (my girl loved the breadsticks on the Island Princess).
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16 month old toddler on Caribbean Princess...can I manage?
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