Going on a Cruse with My 12 Month Old

We did a cruise last fall, our youngest was not quite 3 yrs old at the time. We had a blast. I think as long as your baby will nap in the stroller you will be fine on excursions. We took the stroller with us and used it on most excursions, our son was still napping and would either nap in the stroller or on the bus rides.

At dinner just ask and they will have a highchair at your table each night. The cruise we were on even had a kids menu so you may be able to able to order food for your baby (such as plain pasta).

We even took our boys to the shows at night on the ship, several nights the youngest was sound asleep before it even started but he just slept on our laps.

Someone else mentioned the cab rides with no carseat. I'm not going to say I would advise it all the time however, living in a big city where I can't carry a carseat with me at all times, I have done it. We go on many vacations where we don't get a rental car so we don't take the carseats, we have done many cab rides in cities and just had the boys in the car with us. When the youngest was an infant I help him on my lap, now he seats in the seat.

You will have a great time!

i wouldn't take him at all! you should probably get a baby sitter and enjoy some couple time while you can. the child will be fine.

S.-

We went on a Carnival Cruise when my son was about that age. You don't need a booster seat because they provide high chairs (if you request this ahead of time they will have it waiting for you each night at dinner.) There are no activities for children this age which we did not realize until we went on the cruise so we spent A LOT of time at the kiddie pool. The staff is very friendly and love children, especially this age group and they will help you at breakfast time (the buffet line) with your trays etc since you will have a little one with you. The umbrella stroller is great for when you get off the ship but hard to use any other time. My only real suggestion is to maybe skip one of the ports and stay on the ship because you can get a great spot at the pool with little to no crowds and discounts at the spa. Have a great time!

i would REALLY caution you about taking a child that young... i can't WAIT to cruise again, but i refuse to take my kids until they are at least 2 years old(fully vaccinated). i will not take them out of the country AT ALL until they are fully vaccinated. there's lots of other fun family vacations out there, i would really consider holding off on doing a cruise. as far as all your questions, i would contact carnival directly for the answers. good luck and i hope you guys have a GREAT time whatever you choose to do! also, i hope your husband makes it back home safe and sound to you and your little one!

S., why would you want to take a child that young on a cruise? Do you not have anyone to watch him? A cruise is not the place for a baby who requires a routine and would not always fit in with what you might want to do. Why not do a trip like this when he is older and can have memories of the trip. Wouldn't it be nice for you and your husband to have some alone time, before he leaves for an extended period of time. A cruise can be very romantic and I'm sure that he would love some hot romance before leaving. Believe me I'm not against family time. I have 3 wonderful children, 1 grown son and 2 teenage daughters. If your mind is made up, please know that you will need to be on your childs schedule and make sure that you are prepared for seasickness. And what about the excursions, not always easy on a young child. I always found it easier on me and my children to keep them in a homelike situation when they were this young. Save family time for things that are geared for your child. When my son was 11 months old, my husband and I took a trip, I did not want to be away from my son, but it was a well needed break from always being on duty. I have tried to be honest and hope that I have helped.
J. W.

go check out the family forum on cruisecritic.com. You'll get tons of advice about what to bring, what to do, etc.

Remember that on the ship, your son will not be able to get in the pools because he's still in diapers. You might want to bring an inflatable bath tub for both bath time but also some splash time when your on the ship. They've got highchairs in all the eating areas and the wait staff will bend over backwards to help. You'll find the same crew members each time so they'll probably anticipate you coming and get the highchair before you're even ready to sit down.
I would pay for babysitting service one evening so that you and your husband can have a long, quite dinner in the supper club. I could go on and on but definitely go check out cruise critic, you'll get tons of advice.

My daughter is 3 years old and has been on 3 cruises, she loves it! The first was when she was 10 months old, 23 months, and this time at 3 years old. (We just got back last Sunday) I would highly recommend bringing a stroller. It is great for on the boat itself as well as on excursions at the port. We don't bring our car seat with us, we usually just plan excursions that do not require a ride in a taxi. There is always something to do right off the boat when you get there, with the exception of Montego Bay (if you are even going there). In that case we just take a really quick taxi ride and have never had any issues. That have cribs on the cruise, and I am pretty sure that they have swings and walkers for rent if you call. (Not 100% sure, never did that) The staff on the ship loves kids and you are going to have a lot of fun even bringing your little one along. I would also recommend the early dinner (6:00) that way you can stay on an early schedule. The stroller we bring will recline back (unlike an umbrella stroller), and so my little one would sleep through most of the shows. It was nice and allowed us to attend a few of the shows.

Your baby will be to small for Camp Carnival, I think 3 is the age. But at night if you pay extra they will watch him for you for a fee. When my daughter was 12 months we went to check out the camp carnival and possibly leave her there but once we got up there I was not comfortable with it. There were to many kids running around and I was afraid that they she would get hurt or the other kids would not leave her alone (you know how kids are with babies, they just love them). So we have always kept our daughter with us.

They have highchairs at dinner so that would not be a problem. You are going to have a blast, if you have any questions feel free to ask.

S.,
You are going to love your cruise. Just prepare to have fun. The Camp Carnival for the little ones is absolutely great. The kids have a blast and are running to get there every day. They have the high chairs for the little ones to sit in like at dinner in the casual dining area. The formal night is mainly all adult although children are welcome, but they have their own formal dinner for the kiddos in camp. You will have a great time. There will be lots of other kids for him to enjoy and you and hubby will have a blast spending time together as well.
We just came from cruising the 7 day to Jamacia this past Sept. There were a ton of babies on board. At first I didn't even know that most of the people we met had babies with them because they were all at Camp Carnival. I left the room early one day and caught the caravan of parents heading for the Camp.
When my daughter was younger we took her and she spent all day in Camp Carnival (by choice) and there were alot of babies in the infant section as well. The Camp Carnival staff are great. All of the Carnival staff are great. So if you have to take the son, it will be just fine.

Carnival is great with kids. Talk to them and see what supplies they have on hand. The less you have to take the better. Also, take advantage of the kids day care program sometimes and spedn some time alone. Think and talk to the director about activities you will go on or do while at port. That is when you may need the car seat etc.... I say yes to a stroller. Also take a peek at the car seat that straps on to a handle type attachment.... It makes into a stroller. (look at one step ahead). Also take walkie talkies. You may want to think about using the laundry service and packing less, weigh the costs, you hate for baby clothes to sit a week with stains. Bring lots of swim diapers....they love the pools. Enjoy!!!

Dear S.,
You will love the cruise and you will be ok with your baby. We have been on 3 didn't have children with me .But saw all kinds of people with children. What I would do if I was you get in touch with Carnival and ask them all your questions.They were very helpful with us.
Good luck and have fun
God Bless J. G