Hi,
My entire family is going on a cruise to celebrate my parents' 40th wedding anniversary. My husband and I have 14 month old twins. I've never been on a cruise before so I really have no idea what to expect. Anyone take little ones on a cruise before and have any advice? I know there is a kids area on the boat. One thing that stinks is that children in diapers are not allowed to swim in the pools on the boat -- apparently a federal rule -- so that eliminates a big activity.
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!
We survived and actually enjoyed our bermuda cruise with 14 month old twins (we were going for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary). We had a lot of help from my family and were able to enjoy two dinners by ourselves. While we did have a good time, I would not recommend a cruise for families with children this little. The only had one hour a day of designated space where the boys could play, and a parent needs to stay (they staying part is fine because I would not want to leave them at such a young age, the problem is that there were not allowed in the kids area at any other time and there are not a lot of good places on a cruise ship for little ones to run around). The saving grace was that my parents had a suite so we could go back to their room at any time and let the kids run around in a "safe" place. Overall, we had a great time but I would recommend waiting until children are at least three years old so they can use the children's facilities.
I have been on the cruise from Boston to Bermuda, several years ago, without children. The pool was not even filled during the cruise down and back it was only full, when we stopped in Bermuda for the 4 days. I would just let them wear the plastic under pants in the pool. They are saying not diapers, so plastic under pants are not diapers. Best of luck and don't forget to enjoy your vacation.
I recently went on a Disney Cruise with a 3 year old and a 17 month old. We wouldn't have chosen to go with such young kids (especially the 17 mo old), but we too joined our greater family for vacation. Disney, of course, was unique, because it was geared for kids. But that being said, it was not ideal being there with a 17 month old. They did allow us 10 hours of babysitting for him but on a 7 day cruise, that wasn't enough!!! We did find it a challenge not allowing him in the pools, particularly because the little splash pool he was allowed in only had 2 inches of water in it and it was right next to the kids pool. As you can imagine, he was not happy with his own situation and wanted to be where the other kids were.
Even with the limitations, I will say that we had a great time as a family. We took full advantage of the ports of call. We were in the Caribbean so we got off the boat and found the nearest beaches to play on. Because it was Disney we were able to take advantage of on board activities geared towards kids during the day. But of course he was really too young for a lot of those. We enjoyed a lot of relaxing time just sitting on the top deck enjoying the warmth and letting him walk around and look out over the ocean, which he loved. My husband and I also took turns watching at different times each day, one letting the other go have some adult time. Also, our extended family was great about watching our kids a few times on the trip so that my husband and I could spend some quality adult time together. We also took turns at night staying in the cabin with the sleeping kids so that one of us could go to the shows. I know that a lot of people put their kids down in their cabins and then went out. I wasn't comfortable with that.
Anyway, you can have fun on the cruise even with the limitations of being with little ones. After all, I figured that being on a cruise with little ones was better than not being on a cruise at all!
I would look into whether there are any options at all for babysitting and if there are, take full advantage of it. Otherwise, make plans with your spouse and, if they are willing, your family to share in some of the babysitting duties and give you a few breaks over the course of the trip. The little ones will find the experience of the boat fascinating and will just love being with the family.
Good luck and have a great time!
We took our daughter on a family cruise when she was 16 months old. There were 20 of us in total. My daughter had a blast. There is so much to see and do even without the pools. She was happy just to walk around or be pushed around in the stroller. The pool part is a real bummer, we didn't know until we got on the ship and they hauled us out of the pool. You still see lots of kids in the pool with swimmies, the parents just try to hide them. We took our daughter in the pool a couple of times without a diaper but that is really stressful!
I am so interested in hearing how it goes when you return! I have been on a cruise but not with a child. The pools were always so crowded I didn't use them much anyway. I think you will be busy and until you find a place on the boat with appropriate activities for your little ones, maybe somewhat stressed. I am only imagining but I'm sure since you have other family members there that will be helpful. I really hope things go well and that the staff is helpful and there are some kid friendly things for the boys. otherwise, I'm sure they'll have a ball with the elevators, long hallways, and mazelike feel of the boat. Kids have fun with the darndest things. The only other thing I can think of is research the boat and all the ports/excursions beforehand. You could even talk to someone on the cruiseline to see if they have suggestions. I have a friend who has been on many cruises, I'll email her and see if she has any additional info. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful time! Good luck:)
Hi C. -
My sister got married on Grand Cayman and we all went on a family cruise for it. Unfortunately, after a lot a research I had to decide to leave my 15-month-old home. I did take my four-year-old and we had a blast! After going I was very glad that I hadn't taken the baby. There is virtually nothing for any kids under three to do aboard a cruise. They can't swim, they can't participate in the kid's program, they can't go to shows and I don't think I ever saw a single high chair. We did run in to one couple very often and they had three kids and one was a baby (they seemed miserable every time we saw them!) Cruise estate rooms really aren't designed for hanging around in so you would always be trying to find something to do with the kids. I don't want to rain on your parade, but I would hate for you to miss out on a wonderful experience because you chose to take the kids. Plus, I was exhausted from all the walking - I couldn't imagine having to that while holding little ones. If you can, try to go it alone and have a wonderful time!
P.S. Only kids over the age of three are allowed in the kids area. (They basically do not want children under this age away from the parents ever!)
C., I just went on a cruise with my daughter She wore swim diapers in the pool. No one objected. The kids area may have age limits so you should check into that. I think that they had limited hours for children under 3 years old. Overall we had a great time, although it took some coordination between my husband and myself. He stayed in the cabin during nap time and I did the evening duty.
Dear C.,
My step mom owns a criuse agency in CA so she's available for specific questions until 8pm Eastern Time. 1800 Get2Sea. If you call, ask for Debbie and tell her you got her name from A. at mamasource. She knows every cruise line and all the cabins, activities, etc...
My brother is on a cruise right now with his wife and 21 month old daughter. They sent me an email saying that it has been great since thay have found many babysitters and other kids to keep their daughter entertained.
I hope this helps,
A.
Hi C.,
My husband and I have been on several cruises with our special needs child, who is now 7. I understand your disappointment in not being able to use the pools on board. Depending on where your cruising to - you should visit some of the gorgeous beaches which do allow children in diapers. We didn't utilize any of the on board activities for kids but took advantage of the aquariums and beaches that were in the area. We took a taxi to the aquarium and beaches and had a fantastic time. Do your homework ahead of time and find out what's available in the areas where you will be docked. Have a great time....
Yvonne
My husband and I have done 3 cruises with our children. The cruise lines all have wonderful programs for the kids. We took them as young as your boys and had a great time. I would check out what exact services they have on board and go and have fun! What a wonderful occasion to celebrate!
C., I too have been on cruises, but never with kids. I would check with the cruise line to find out what activities they have for your kids. What will they be allowed to do in the "playroom"? Find out what the babysitting policy is if you wish to have dinner without them.
What if the kids are in swim diapers? Are they allowed in the pools then? Check out the excursions and try to go to as many beaches as possible. Anything else will probably be hard with the kids. Also, find out about leaving them on the boat while you go on an excursion. Some cruise lines have that as an option as well.
I wish you and your husband much luck.
