Toddler Success on a Cruise

I think I have heard that the ship is big enough that sea sickness should not be an issue except for the extremely sensitive.

Call the cruise line you are going on and ask about what they do to accommodate toddlers. Activities, child care and so on, so you can be prepared ahead of time and make plans. Bring some small familiar items of hers as well - favorite blanket stuffed animal. And then pack some small surprises for moments when you might need them.. a small coloring book and new set of crayons, a board book or pop up book, a small new toy. Something to hold her attention and give her something to look forward to. Will she be the only child in the family going on this trips.. cousins?? see what you can do to have them interact.. if not ... see if there is a way to meet other parents with small children on the ship.

it will just take some planning ahead and learning everything that will be available to you on the cruise.

We took our 12 month old on a carnival cruise and it was great. It is actually very child-proofed. The rooms are very basic, and there is almost nothing for your child to get into there. We got an inside room (no windows) so napping was a breeze. Just ask for a crib ahead of time, it is a nice portable that fits at the end of the bed. They have a padded toddler pool on the pool deck, that is about 12 inches deep and practically empty of other people. It is enclosed with a latching gate so she can walk around and get in the pool herself! We chose to eat the buffet style meals more than the sit-down ones, because service takes forever and our son got very wiggly. The buffet choice is always open, and there is always fruit, and a pasta choice for easy eating by toddlers. My biggest problem was not bringing enough clothes. Our son was so busy and getting so dirty that I changed him three four times a day! So plenty of clothes, plenty of clean sippy cups, or some kind of detergent to wash the cups in the sink. My son loved to wonder around the ship and we just followed him. I think you will have a great time. The scariest part was when we went to the ports of call. Not having a car seat in Mexico was nerve racking, but he survived! Feel free to bring one, but it will be a real pain to lug around. I just held my son on my lap when we took cabs anywhere. He thought that was awesome.

For sea sickness you could try Sea Bands, I'm pretty sure that is what they are called. They are bracelets that have a little button that pushes a pressure point on the inside of your wrist. They are comfortable and you wouldn't have to worry about drugs making her groggy and grumpy.
Bring plenty of new toys that she has never seen before to keep her busy (I hit the dollar store for trips). If she gets upset you can just pull out a new toy to occupy her. Also bring some of her favorites to make your room comfortable and like home for her.

Hello G.,
Pack up a supply of plug covers and door handle covers typical home saftey items so you can at least make your 'room' a safe zone where you can get a bit more peace.

I would reccomend the Didymos carrier or some other non bulky carrier that allows you to put you baby on your back. They can see everything - love being next to you - and you have total control. The Didymos is a long piece of fabring that you can tie in a startling number of ways. I still use mine with my 7 and 4 year olds - and was indespensible for us on trips with the kids.

Pack some fun toys and rotate them on the trip. Schleich (not sure of the spelling, but they last better than Pappos) plastic animal figures are GREAT. way open ended and you and baby can play so many games with them. A small set of funnels, scoops and cups can make pool time last much longer and teach some pyhsics basic as well!!

bring toys to the dinner table (waiters in Italy actually brought out more bread for my 27 month old's dinosaurs to eat!! and I was thinking they were ready to kick us out because of the mess - they loved it and her!!)

Your own sense of adventure and fun is the most important thing to pack!! Enjoy!! P.

G.,
I have yet to cruise with my toddler, but I have been on a cruise. I didn't really notice many people being affected by sea sickness. The boats are so big, that I really didn't even notice we were on the water! Also, the rooms are pretty much designed with the bare minimums. Since it is a boat, they don't have a lot of items that are "lose" in the cabins because they could easily fall over with all the movement. If I remember correctly, there wasn't very much to get into. I think once you are on there for a day or so, you will be able to figure out what areas of the ship are busier than others and I'm sure you will be able to locate some areas with less stimulation. I have always personally thought that a cruise vacation is such a good choice when you have young children because there are plenty of activities to do, and if you or your daughter get overwhelmed or tired your room is usually withing a five minute walk instead of a 30 minute drive! Please let us know how it turns out. Also, I don't remember there being too much noise during the day, most people weren't in their cabins and really the only thing you hear is doors opening and shutting if they are right next to your room as well as voices if people are talking right outside your door. I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip!

I was on a cruise this past summer and saw quite a few children. There are so many activies that are family oriented on cruise's and the cabins are really soundproof so there shouldn't be any problems with her going to sleep for naps or sleeping through the night. I know there were times when I took naps without any problems. Also the cruise ships are so accomadating you'll wish you could take your steward home with you. Also don't be afraid to ask for things that might be needed, the cruise ships want you to be as comfortable as possible. Also pack some of her favorite books or small toys to occupy her or if she has any favorite dvds, most ships have dvd players in every cabin. There are also highchairs in all the dining rooms, just let your table staff know when in the big dining rooms they will have it set up for you everytime you go to meals. Also remember to have fun you'll love the cruise. Also call the cruise line ahead of time and let them know what type of things you might need in your room.
I hope this helps you and have fun.