Cruise Advice for Parents of 18-Month-old

LEAVE THE BABY AT HOME, TAKE HER FOR HER 16TH BIRTHDAY.
GET ONE OF YOU CLOSE FRIENDS TO WATCH HER OR A COUPLE OF THEM SO THEY CAN TRADE OFF THE DUTY.
i'M A RETIRED TEACHER. I'D TAKE HER FOR A WEEK OR SO, IF YOU'RE GOING NEAR PANAMA CITY,FLA, BUT MY ONLY GRANDSON WILL BE HERE THEN. aND iI HAVE UET TOSEE HIM!!

Hi There! Interesting timing K., as my family just came back from a cruise we took last week! We went to Labadee, Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. My kids are older however: 9, 7 and 6.

If you are going with a large group, perhaps you can plan to switch off for babysitting in the evenings, if not, Royal Caribbean had a great babysitting service, other cruiselines would as well. I hear they bring their own bag of toys the kids enjoy and the rates are reasonable. You can call and check in from a phone on any deck.

I'd get a leash for my peace of mind for a toddler too. It gets really windy on deck sometimes. I found walkie talkies to be a waste of time on a big boat. Too many people talking on the same channels and too much boat from good reception. They might be great on excursions, but I didn't test it.

Diaper babies will not be allowed in the pools at all. Be prepared. At the beaches, no one cares.

I did so much research for our cruise and much of it is fresh so here goes...
Highlighter pen for choosing activities in your daily newsletter, Earplugs (boats are loud), Insulated Mugs for carrying coffee out of the dining room, Bug spray, Binoculars, Camera, Rainslickers, Jackets, Hats, Bring a pen and some Post-It notes for leaving notes. Benadryl, Tylenol, Aloe gel, fanny pack, evening purse, sunglasses, PASSPORTS, bandaids and ointment, feminine products, nail clippers, chapstick, portable alarm clock, SEABANDS (they work! wore them first 2 days, then was ok).

We took a few beanie babies as goodwill gifts for people who gave us good service and I used all 5. One to the spa lady, 2 to the stewards who took care of our cabin, and 2 for the waiter and asst. waiter. I wish I had brought 3 or 4 more. Of course, this is in addition to tipping well at the end of the cruise.

Buy underwater cameras at home, they are double and triple the cost on the boat and on shore.

Bring less clothes and more money. Lots of singles and fives for tips getting on and off the boat with luggage and while in Port. Singles were very helpful at Artisan Markets too. I took 50 ones and used them all on the trip.

Use an expired gift card or other magnetic strip non-credit card for you room safe. Then you don't have to worry about keeping a credit card out to open the safe. We had a code for ours, but we were prepared.

Get photos taken with every ship's photographer that you can. There will be lots of chances with different backgrounds, poses & occasions. However, don't buy them right away as they appear on the Photo Gallery racks. Just locate your photos and keep stacking them up behind the latest one each day. Or, let the Photo Shop desk hold them for you. Then on the last full day of your cruise, go through them all and then pick out which ones you want to purchase. That way, you won't buy one taken earlier in the cruise that you really don't want after you find a better one taken later in the cruise.

Think about how many electric plugs you use getting ready. There are few in the cabins, you may want to take a power strip.

Labadee is a p****** p*** of Haiti owned by RC. There was an artisan's market where I bought many of my gifts. There is a fixed price area on the far end and a bargainer's market on the other. Many Americans are intimidated by the intense hawking they do in the artisan market, but I enjoy it. They are people trying to make a living in a harsh place. I'd look at their wares, smile and say no if they didn't have what I wanted.

I suggest looking at the fixed price area first so you know how much items are before bargaining. Be sure to give a fair price though. They do actually carve the designs in the wooden bowls and such themselves, although be careful, some things are made in China just like here. It amused me.

My favorite things were the hand-carved bowls ($5-$10 or higher, depending on how big and elaborate the bowl's design), the painted coffee bean necklaces (they offered $7 each at first, bargained to $4, could have gone to $3 probably but I thought the price was fair for us both. Loved them so much, got more for gifts in Jamaica, same price). I bought some colorful hand-painted shells and magnets ($3 or less), some hand-carved and polished soapstone frogs ($4-$6), even a small painting which is my favorite keepsake (around $5)

I went into Jamaica on my own. There are some shops near the pier but the prices are sky high except for liquor. I took a taxi to Soni and the market across the street after speaking with a taxi driver about my looking for an open air artisan market. Taxi drivers are aggressive, be prepared for it. I went with one who let me come to him and talk.

Unexpectedly and happily, the driver showed me some stores, then personally walked me to the market across the bustling street. Sure, he showed me his family member's stalls first, but they didn't have the leather bracelets I was looking for and were friendly when I talked with them about it. I got a beautiful handcrafted small xylophone that my kids adore for $15. The steel drums did not have good tone or I would have picked up a small set of those too. I got gads of coffebean necklaces from a lady whose real name is Fairprice. I enjoyed talking with her. A gorgeous tall Jamaican named Michelle sold me some bracelets at an ok price. She was patient and fun to talk with too.

I smiled at everyone, looked them in the eye, said no firmly and kindly, chatted with friendly people. One old dude came up to me and showed me a carving, when I said no he asked if I wanted some weed, when I said no to that with a grimace he walked away no problem. I hear that happens a lot in Jamaica. I bought my few trinkets, went back to Cedric the taxidriver who was waiting across the street, and he took me back to the shops on the pier. I paid $6 for round trip, which I negotiated BEFORE going anywhere, and $3 for tip. I feel now like $5 tip would have still been fair. I bought a rainstick and some Coconut Rum at the pier shops, then went back. All in all, it was a little more than 2 hours off the boat.

I had no desire to explore Ocho Rios, Jamaica. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted from there and when I got it, I got back on the boat. Also, do not let "guides" off the street show you places. They expect money for it and use intimidation to get it. I heard this from some cruisemates on the ship. If you don't have an excursion booked in Jamaica, leave the baby on the boat in Ocho Rios, is my advice. I hear Montego Bay is nicer if you are going there.

In Georgetown, Cayman Island we had two excursions. I suggest the ones offered by the cruiseline because they will hold the boat if you are late. My sister-in-law was late on her excursion in Cozumel and we were thankful we had booked through the cruiseline.

We did the submarine tour and went 100 feet down. Great fun for my kids, don't suggest it for baby. Then we went on a Pirate Ship and shot cannon at the cruise ship and swam in the sea. If hubby is worried about the cruise ship, the pirate ship will give him hives.

Liked Georgetown. You should feel comfortable exploring off the boat there, saw many with strollers but CROWDED near the pier. The only shopping I got in on Grand Cayman was in the shops on the pier and I was still happy. Miniature frigate ($8), Wonderful rainstick, better than the Jamaican one ($12), Turtle Christmas ornaments ($4 each), bracelets ($2-$4), pan flute was expensive, but my kids are really enjoying it ($7).

In Cozumel we went to a Dolphin Swim Adventure, which was simply wonderful and unforgettable, but not age appropriate for your baby. I hear Stingray city is a fabulous place for younger kids. Look into that. Shopping was thin in Cozumel for me. Chintzy stuff, much of it crude. The jewelry was not cheap although some was very beautiful. I actually got some similar jewelry before the cruise at TJ Maxx for a third of what they were asking for in the shops near the pier. Plus, I live in Florida, so much of the cheap beachy trinkets did not appeal.

Here is clothes advice I used to help pack from Norm on Cruisecritic.com and I still came home with un-worn outfits:
For boys, the following should suffice for a seven night cruise with two (2) "formal" evenings and five (5) "casual" evenings.

Wear to ship:
* Polo Shirt
* Undershorts
* Slacks
* Belt
* Socks
* Dress Shoes

Pack:
* 8 Polo Shirts
* 8 Pairs Undershorts
* 2 Pairs Slacks
* 4 Pairs Shorts
* 8 Pairs Socks ( we only used 2 pairs on formal nights)
* 2 Swimsuits
* 1 Island Print Shirt
* 1 Pair Sneakers or Deck Shoes
* 1 Pair Flip-Flops
* 1 Pair Water Shoes (Surfwalkers (R) or Similar)
* Tuxedo or Dark Business Suit
* 2 Formal Dress Shirts (for Wear with Tuxedo) or Standard Dress Shirts (for wear with Business Suit)
* 2 Bow Ties with Matching Vests or Cummerbunds (for Wear Tuxedo) or two-in-Hand Ties (for wear with Business Suit)
* Cuff Links, Studs, Tie Bars, etc., as Required for Dress Clothes

For girls, the following should suffice for a seven night cruise with two 2 "formal" evenings and five (5) "casual" evenings.

Wear to ship:
* Undergarments
* Top
* Slacks or Skirt
* Belt, if Required
* Dress Shoes

Pack:
* 8 Tops
* 8 Pairs Panties, some bras
* 2 Skirts or Pairs of Slacks
* 4 Pairs Shorts
* 8 Pairs Hose, if Desired
* 2 Swimsuits
* 1 Island Print Dress
* 1 Pair Sneakers or Deck Shoes
* 1 Pair Flip-Flops
* 1 Pair Water Shoes (Surfwalkers (R) or Similar)
* 2 Formal Dresses
* 2 Sets Jewelry & Accessories for Wear with Formal Dresses

If your cruise has "informal" or "semiformal" evenings, you'll need to add the appropriate items for those evenings to the list. Note that this list is only clothing, so you'll need to add the other items such as toiletries and items for activities en route appropriate to their ages. See the "Packing Made Simple" thread on the "Cruise Dress and Packing" board for a more complete list.

Note that these lists include one extra change of casualwear for emergency use. If a spill or other mishap forces an extra change of clothes, you can always send a change of clothes to the ship's laundry.

There you have it, all I can think of to tell you. Wish you well on your journey!

S.

Although I was never a fan of the whole "leash" idea...I did purchase and use with much success the backpack form of the tether. It is a cute, stuffed animal backpack that the child wears and it has a "leash" connected to it. Tell your child that the stuffed animal is their special vacation friend and introduce it to them prior to the trip. This way they will not feel as if they have a leash actually connected to their body, they may not even realize that the cute, cuddly monkey that is riding on their back has a leash connected to it! I bought mine at Target and it is a monkey. Good luck!

I just returned from a trip on the Princess Cruise lines and they had a children's program every day. I am not sure the ages included, but check with your cruise lines as to what is offered.

B.
www.nutrition4you2.com
____@____.com

Hi K.,

My husband and I took our then 26M old on a Disney cruise back in Oct and had a great time! You do have to keep your eye on them, but I would say no more than any other time you are out with them. The Disney cruise has a nursery that we took him to for a couple of hours each day so we could have some couple time and it worked out great and our son loved it as well! He did art projects and they fed him if he was there during a meal time. They gave us a beeper if anything came up. Take little toys for entertainment during meal times as dinner can be a little long.... we also took our pac n play and he slept very well in that for PM naps and at bed. My husband and I took turns staying in the room for naps while the other explored the ship or port. Our room had a curtain to divide the room so we could go in and out during this time. Good luck ,we were just talking of going on another one this spring! We loved cruising pre baby anyhow!!

Hi K.! My husband and I loved to take cruises pre-baby. Our daughter is now 18 mos. old as well and we have not taken her on a cruise yet because...like you - - we are nervous about a lot of things. Not the least of which is - - how good of a time would we all have with having to worry and watch her constantly??? We thought about taking her this year so I have done a little research on the topic. So while I don't have any personal advice to share there is a website (www.cruisecritic.com) that has a 'Family Cruising' message board that has helped me tremendously. It is under 'Boards', then 'Special Interest Cruising' and choose the one that says 'Family Cruising.' A lot of the posters have been taking their children since they were 3 months old and they have great advice on what to expect, what to pack, things to do...Check it out and hopefully you will get some useful information! And have a GREAT time!

K.,
Pack a few glad zip locks, which I call plan A,B,C.
Put inside each one a favorite small toy, car, snack,juice box.. books... Save them for emergencies when you have to wait in line, to eat... Also a small etch a sketch is great for you to draw things to entertain, and for them to doodle.

Don't drink the water or let your child drink any beverages or beverages with ice, that don't come from a can. Don't let your child eat any foods off the ship, bring snacks & drink boxes from the ship or home. I have traveled with my children abroad and they are more sensitive to other bacteria's from other countries foods, especially produce, and unpasturized dairy - ie ice cream.

Also tell your pediatritian where you are traveling & when, they can give you perscriptions for antibiotics, nauseau, stomach cramp meds, etc just in case.

I wouldn't recommend letting ANYONE on the ship watch your child, I have heard nightmare stories about the daycare apoard the ships.

If your husband is afraid of him/her falling over board, just make it a policy that someone always HOLDS him/her when you are outside of the room, unless your in a secure place. You can also bring an umbrella stroller. Always know WHO is responsible, ie your husband, Mom, father...so that everyone doesn't think someone else is.

Keep a very close eye when traveling OFF the ship. Especially in stores or restaurants, either bring an umbrella stroller or always carry him/her.

Relax and enjoy your time together. As long as your prepared and have a plan, you'll have a fabulous time! Have FUN!
Peace, M.

I am getting ready to go on a cruise soon to the Islands. The one I am going in does not allow kids. yea!!!!!!!!! I have a 7 year old and a 14 year old they are great kids. I just don't think you should take children on cruises unless its a Disney. I want to go and enjoy myself and not have to worry about where or what the kids are doing. I think you should find someone to watch your daughter so you and your husband can have a good time. What about the rest of your family? Do they want to deal with a child on the ship weather she is good or bad? You or your husband will have to turn in early when she needs to go to bed and nap time.

Never been on a cruise, but I have the same concern for my 5 year old because as his nickname describes (Mr. Monkey) he loves to climb on things. I am sick thinking about him climbing up the railing. OK, now I have to go throw up.
I am sure that there are a ton of ways to keep track and tied to the little one to help with that.

As far as your off shore excursions. I have been to Jamaica, in fact we got married and had our honeymoon there in Montego Bay.
Advice, take popular trips with lots of other people. Don't take trips where you are the only ones. Don't go off down the road with the natives so that they can show you there special stash of goods. Just not safe. Stay in and around other people. Not that anything would happen you just don't want to temp. it.
The market place is SUPER HIGH PRESSURE SALES, they will not give up. So, I would stay away from that because you can get souveniors anywhere. We did a horse back ride into the mountains which was awesome, we also did a horse back ride at the ocean which was even better. And we did the Dunn's River Falls, which is fun but not for little one's. You have to walk up the falls and the water is pouring at a high rate of speed in your face.
The coffee is awesome and addicting, so taking the coffee plant tour is a ton of fun too.
I have not been to the Grand Cayman, but I have a friend that goes every year and she and her family love it.
Oh! In Jamaica those guys will want a tip for anything and everything, don't fall for this. They are banking that you aren't going to know any better and will give everyone a tip for not really much of anything.
Even the bus drivers want a tip, but you can make your own decisions. General rule $1 a bag unless it's huge and heavy.
Enjoy your trip and have a great time. I know those cruises always have fun stuff for kids. Take some dramamine just in case for motion sickness.
Most importantly, have fun, have fun, have fun.

My husband and I have sailed on Carnival since my 9 year old was 18 months. They have a program called Camp Carnival that he really enjoys. They take the kids for you so you can safely find your way around the islands, dance in the club, gamble or take in a show onboard or spend five minutes focused on each other. They have a sign in and sign out that only you or your chosen few can use which is varified by your sign and sail card/ room keycard. We discovered early on that taking our kids off the boat was a bad idea when we went to the bahamas one year (2000). We were approached by many salespeople when we first departed the ship and making our way around the flea market area, my husband found himself in a tug of war over our son. Granted I don't know if they lady who was trying to take him meant to kidnap him but she learned that these native New Yorkers will raise hell for their children. Since that experience we have never taken any of our kids off the boat and nobody will convince me to change my mind about that. Maybe when they are teens but now, we always rely on the cruise staff to watch them. My kids always have the best time on board. They love the kiddie section which has its own pool and water area, even though it's ocean water and in the islands the salt is very heavy and can even be painful for the fair skinned. They have so many activities, that you will rarely find yourself bored or looking at your watch. I agree with the other posts about the railings. They are chest height and the decks are staggered. My advice is take a moment for yourself and check out the spa, play giant sized chess and see all the shows even if you don't think you'll like them. They're so cool. I didn't experience the mall effect. The stores are centrally located at the middle of the ship and the activities are on either side of that. Another thing I wouldn't do again is taking the kids to the fancy dinner. What a disaster. No high chairs and unsympathic table mates dressed in their Sunday best waiting for the food to come in separate courses for over an hour. Two year olds have no patience. Least mine don't. We did good on the Ledo deck. My guys loved the pizza, sandwiches and buffet style eatery. They had all the sausage and pancakes they could dream of. Oh and the unlimited ice cream, my nine year old says. Have fun.

Hello K.,

My family and I aso went on a cruise with small children last year. Our daughter was almost 3 and our son was only 16 months old, at the time. The Camp Carnival for the children really was for children 2 and older. Our daughter went a few times, but we kept our son with us throuut the trip. He did fine. We did not take a stroller or backpack with us, bu could see the advantage of having a nice hiking backpack for when going off the boat. We went to Cozumel. We did not sign up for any on-sore excursions through the cruise-line. Some friends of ours suggested to just get off the boat and find somewhere to go. We met up with a "taxi-driver" that for only $150 for the day, gave us a tour of the ruins and diffeent sights around the island before taking us to a nice little restaurant on the water where the kids could swim and have lunch. This was nice. We were able to go at our own pace. We could have even just gone to the beach the entire time and the kids woul have been happy. So my advice would be to either find someone like this, or decide on an actiity that would not overwhelm the child. A nice hiking pack would work well if you wanted to try going on a little more adventurous activity. When our daughter was only 5 months old we went to Hawaii ans hiked through a rainforrest using a Kelty backpack and that worked well for us. Our kids are no longer willing to sit so still, however.

If your daughter is at all interested in disney movies, then I would suggest bringing a DVD player with a few movies for her to watch. We also brought along a backpa full of books for bedtime, color wonder markers and coloring books, and a few other favorite toys. Try not to stress out about anything...enjoy the time that you have! We never had any reason to worry abut our kids falling off the ship. We did not use a leash or anything.

I hope this helps!
Take Care!
K.

Hi K.;

I am a fulltime working Mother of a 5 year old son and a 12 year old step son. Me and my Husband ( which also works fulltime) went to Jamacia & the Caymans in November we left our adorable sons at home with their grandparents. Ochos Rio is no place to take children, really nothing to see for adults either. The economy is extream poverty for the most part and the people are extreamly aggressive in Ochos Rio. I would stay on the boat if I where you in Jamacia. The Caymans on the other hand was a nice experience and the people where polite and friendly.

D. J.

K.

I remember going on a cruise with my parents at age 14, so that means they took me and my 3 brothers. The youngest should have been 3 at that time. I think it was h*** o* them with my youngest brother, but nothing too dangerous happened of course. They defintely have preventative rails/walls to keep little ones from falling off the decks. I'm sure they have child proofed a lot!

But if there was an extended family member that isn't going on this cruise and that lives near you. I'd recommend leaving your child behind if your husband truly is so concerned about it.

I remember getting off the ship and being bombarded with the natives trying to sell things to you and grabbing at you yelling "Let me braid your hair" so I'd just be careful.

These places are not made for little kids, so take that into consideration.
Definitely get some sort of leash or just carry your child with you EVERYWHERE YOU GO!

I know there a elevators on the ship so you don't have to worry too much with the stairs!!! just wear proper shoes so you don't slip on the veranda deck!

Oh there are some ships that offer a babysitting service if you just want to go out with your Hubby alone!

I'm going to leave my kids with my family when we go on our cruise (whenever that may be)

We traveled all over the world when my girls were little. I had a framed back pack. There are many on e-bay. Try to get one that has a pouch under it or behind it as in a hiking baby back pack. This way they were out of the way when you were in a crowd and that made them able to see things that were going on. When it was time to eat you could put it on the ground and not have to worry about finding a high chair. The pouch would hold all the baby things and it lets your arms free. This will work very well in Grand Cayman. As for the ship there are many places you can go that the baby can’t get even close to the rails, and most ships have a baby room that for a small fee will take her and play with her while you have some alone time with hubby. Hope this helps and have a great VK.

we went on a family reunion sruise. I had no choice but to go. I have twin 19 month olds and a 4 month old. it was HARD. I did bring the doggie and horse back pack for the girls. I recomend those. My husband was very nervouse about the falling off as well. but the shil had tall walls not just rails. Get help from your family. If I only had one I think we would have had a blast. get help from your family so you have some time for your self. we did take the kids off the boat not sure worth it, just a lot to lug off and on. But I had three.
good luck and have fun. gettiong on and off the baot will be the worst, but after that should be ok

Hi K.,
i would suggest you to buy "sea band" you can get it at any pharmacy it's over the counter, but they still have it w/the pharmacist. It cost probably $10.00, re usable and basically they are 2 bands that you place them on each wrist which it's like acupunture but w/out the niddles. You can leave it all day. My son gets major sick in the car, anywhere we go he throws up, my doctor recommended it a few months ago and it worked perfectly! Hope this helps!! And be careful w/your little one in the cruise...
P.s. I don't trust the day care @ the cruises...i've been in too many (of course w/out my son) and it just doesn't click....

We have, and my husband has loved using, a hiking backpack for carrying a child. There are many listed online. That will be ideal for excursions off the boat, especially. Also, when the pack is removed from the back you can stand the pack on the ground with the child still in it. We have a one made by a German company. The pack is a Deuter Kid Comfort II. We bought it when our now 2 1/2 year old was around a year old. Have a wonderful time. Please, please enjoy. Also, ask the cruise line for any advice they may have. They've probably experienced this before.

Blessings,
A.

We took our daughter who was nine months old at the time on a seven day cruise and had a great time. Before the cruise we reserved walkie talkies from the pursers desk so we were able to be in contact with one another at all times and also with whoever was watching our daughter at the time. We did bring our stroller and she was in that the majority of the time while we were out on the ship. We did not do excursions, but we also had done that all before on previous cruises without children. The islands you are going to are safe and have plenty to do right off the ship. Reserve a high chair for dinner or keep her in her stroller. There is plenty of room to take the stroller...you will have to fold it up every time you put it in the room since the door is not wide enough. We also brought our pack n play with plenty of room to walk around. We are going again next year and we will then have a 2 1/2 year old and a one year old. Have a great time and do not stress. They should also have a kiddie pool that will be like a big bath tub for her to swim in. Good luck!

I went on my first cruise when my daughter was that age. it was only a 3 day one, but we did have a leash type thing for her. Luckily, her grandparents had her most of the time because they were relaxing more and let us go run around. The railing or anything isnt a issue unless you go to the top top, but you cant take kids that high anyway (of course you may be on a totally different cruise line). I did not find it as scary as I thought I was going to once I looked around, its just like a hotel on the inside.