I am the father of an 18 month old boy with an endless amount of energy and a truly pleasant demeanor, but I still worry about going on vacation, driving or flying long distances and being confined to certain spaces without toys,food, water and Momma. I got to thinking we should do a quick write-up on the best cruise lines and ships that parents can feel comfortable taking their newborn, toddler or small child along for the trip.
The first line that comes to mind is , of course, Disney. Starting in 1998, Disney Cruise Lines has offered parents larger staterooms with dividers, nursery space, and stores stocked with baby products such as diapers, lotion and wipes and the always crucial baby, non-HABA sunblock. The kid friendly programs and dining options make Disney the premier cruise line for families with young children.
However, the other cruise lines are catching on to the growing trend. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have instituted larger family stateroom options, baby and toddler playgroups, as well as play areas specifically designed to entertain the under-4 crowd.
How to Cruise with Baby in Tow
What to Bring: This is always the decision a parent of a young child has to make when stepping out to the grocery or going on a two week cruise to the Bahamas. Trying to pack efficiently for an extensive vacation can be stressful enough without a little one, so here are some words of wisdom:
1. Cribs and Pack n Plays: Check with your TA or cruise line to see if they supply them onboard. One less bulky item to cart along if they have them onboard.
2. Entertainment: If you have a portable DVD player, tuck it away in your carry-on with a few Baby Einstein videos...you'll be glad you did. Many of the standard staterooms don't have in-room DVD/VCR option.
3. Stroller: That's a big NO for me and here's why...I wear my little one in a sling when we travel. He's close to me, Mama has a sling too, and its great exercise. I can't stand traveling with a stroller, so this may be a personal bias...but invest in a good baby sling or backpack carrier, and you'll be much happier on board ship.
4. Diapers: Several major cruise lines offer diapers for sale in the stores. None offers diaper laundry service...so if you use cloth diapers, you're out of luck. Go ahead and bring your standard diaper supply with you, so as not to bother baby's sensitive skin.
5. Food: Many lines have a great kid's dining option and I think with careful consideration any parent can put together a healthy and fun meal out of a salad bar alone. Some cruise lines have been known to puree certain food items for smaller children, but I would urge you to check with the cruise line directly to see if this service is offered at mealtimes. Go ahead and stash away a decent supply of baby's favorite non-perishable items like crackers, raisins or Cheerios, so as to be able to offer some familiar choices.
6. Medications: Obviously, make sure to have, in your CARRY ON LUGGAGE, any prescription medication the little one must take. Also, its not a bad idea to bring some Baby Tylenol and/or Benadryl along just in case.
7. Sun: Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock. Bring some sunblock, and use it liberally regardless of what region you're cruising. The sun at sea can be intense regardless of temperature and height in the sky. Swimsuit, a coverall, and a swim hat are also recommended items to bring with in your luggage.
CruiseLineFans.com will start to review each cruise line and their appeal to families with young children here. We've already mentioned a few success stories above. Are there any stories, good or bad, of cruising with young children anyone wants to share? How about your favorite cruise line for young family cruising and why?
My hubby was reluctant to take our first vacation, post birth, with or without our daughter. But at some point, we decided to try a three day cruise, the same cruise and ship that we did when I was pregnant.
We went on a Baja cruise on a Carnival ship that was within driving distance and booked a hotel for a stay in San Diego for a few days post-cruise to extend the vacation. As she was 23 months of age, she was one month shy of being able to participate in Camp Carnival. We were fine with that (and no, cruiselines won't make an exception on ages, just in case you're in that same situation).
We packed the foldable playpen to use as a "crib." We did reserve one thru Carnival, but after seeing it, we told the cabin steward he can take it away and we'll use ours. We also took the umbrella stroller, pullups (she was in "training" at that point) in her size -- didn't trust that the ship's store would have the right size, snacks, sippy cup, dish detergent, medication. So think out what you might need and take it just in case (including books to read to your child, a few familiar toys and a few new ones for distraction).
She enjoyed exploring the ship and it was fun watching her discover the ship. We even took her to the production show and sat in the back just in case it scared her. She had already been to Blues Clues Live so a live music show wasn't totally new to her.
It was such a great experience that we couldn't wait for the next cruise, which was at 3 years of age and involved flying to the port. We flew in a day early, which allowed for a quick shopping trip on the way to the port for juice boxes, etc.
Patty, I have a question for you. Where do the disposable diapers go after they are soiled? They can't be flushed down the toilet and would cause an unpleasant odor (to say the least ) if put in the garbage receptacle in the bathroom.
1. Is your child ready for travelling? If he cries every night because of teething, maybe it's a good time to wait. He won't enjoy himself, you won't enjoy yourself, those in the cabin next to you won't enjoy themselves. Ask the pediatrician if he or she feels your child is ready for his first trip.
2. Research cruiseline, itinerary. CLF is a great place to ask questions and read other people's experiences. When you've narrowed down your options, check the cruiseline's websites. Ask your TA about any discounts for children or third passengers in the same cabin.
3. Decide if you want to bring along another relative to help out. Especially if your child is too young for the kids' program.
4. Decide if you want to go out into port or stay on the ship. Some excursions have an age minimum.
5. If flying to the embarkation port, consider doing so at least a day before the cruise. The logistics and flight may be stressful enough. You'll have a day to unwind before the cruise and also shop for essentials that you didn't want to pack. Also consider renting the car seat/stroller if you use one.
6. Make a packing list of items for your baby/child. Don't count on the ship's store to have a size 3 diaper or Pediacare. But local stores in Miami, San Pedro, wherever, will have what you need if you follow #5.
7. Always be prepared to take the child out of the dining room, shows, public areas, if they are crying or otherwise having a temper tantum.
8. Don't be surprised if a crew member dotes on your child. Many of them have kids back home which means they probably won't see them for six months at a time. My girl has been in many a waiter's parade and absolutely had a ball. When she was 3, I remember a waiter asked her to help the waiters sing happy birthday to someone at the next table.
9. Be sure to tip the crew members that help with your child. If there's autotips, usually even a child pays. We have never removed her share of the tips, and even will give an envelope to the kids' counselors.
10. If your child is old enough to participate in the kids' program, let them. They will do plenty of activities including arts and crafts, movies, playtime on gym equipment. Many cruiselines will provide you with a schedule of activities (subject to change) so you'll have an idea of what they might be doing that afternoon.
11. Follow the age restriction rules. Don't be the parent who dunks the diapered kid in the adult pool. You'll be on everyone's you-know-what list. Sometimes there's a wading pool, but some parents will bring a small inflatable pool, which would probably be more healthier for your kid anyway.
Patty, I have a question for you. Where do the disposable diapers go after they are soiled? They can't be flushed down the toilet and would cause an unpleasant odor (to say the least ) if put in the garbage receptacle in the bathroom.
We were concerned about that and asked our cabin steward what to do, should we track him down each time. He insisted that we could just place in the bathroom basket. He gave us those "sanitary" bags to use and was very good about checking every once in a while. And we tried to wrap it well before sticking in the bag.
Definitely a parent should talk to the steward about this.
OH, forgot about this: check to see if there's a baby life jacket in the cabin when you check in. Much of the time, we would have to request one. I don't think there was a toddler size, but there is a child size.
Patti, great advice and I would love to highlight number 3 on your list. Grandparents generally love additional time with the grandkids from what I have seen on our cruises. The adult with the youngster almost always seems to be grandma or grandpa when we are on cruises!
Unfortunately my mother isn't one for going on cruises (just did one 4-day one with my sister) and my mother in law would have her own issues. And leaving my girl with either one for a whole week wouldn't work either for a lot of reasons. But we managed to do fine...and even managed a good deal of alone time when she's in the kids' program.
But if it works out for a family, that's perfect. My sister has even gone on some cruises with a friend of her who has a ton of kids...the friend's sugar daddy pays her fare, I think, and my sister ends up taking care of the kids.
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) if put in the garbage receptacle in the bathroom.
Thank you for the thoughtful planning tips that families should consider when cruising with children.
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