For Babies around 19 months

[barisue]

We are going on the 11-day cruise in September - our first disney cruise and we are very excited. Can anyone tell me about experiences you had with such a young child and how it was?

Thanks!

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Hi,
we took our GS who was 18 months.
He absolutely loved just walking around the ship and looking at all the colors and people there. By the night clubs there are large port holes that are padded at the bottom. He loved just sitting there watching the ocean.
At dinner your wait staff will fuss over your child and will do what ever they can to accommodate his needs. They do not have a microwave to heat baby foods though. But if you request it they will blend or puree something off the menu if you ask.
The Mickey pool has one ear that is designed just for toddlers. They MUST wear swim diapers in there. It is only 2 or 3 inches deep with several jets of water spurting from the walls of the pool. They do sell swim diapers on board, but they are very expensive and they sell out quickly, so bring plenty of your own. You can sit right on the side of the ear to keep a close eye on your child. There is no shade there so bring the sun screen you'll need it.
If your child likes music go to the Promenade lounge ( family lounge) in the evenings. They will have a duo playing a variety of music and ther eis a small wooden dance floor where kids often dance or bop up and down to the beat. Often parents will hold their kids and dance with them there too. It is very low key and plenty of room for your toddler to walk around safely.
Flounders reef is a nice nursery too. It is $6 per hour minamum 2 hours. It is reservations only. It does fill up fast . They dont take a lot of kids because they have one counselors for every 2 to 3 kids depending on their ages. This is great for the kids, but make sit hard sometimes to get in. It is a open house on the first day. Go there and have a look and they will answer all your questions. there is a 2 way mirror where you can check on your child at anytime too and pagers for them to get a hold of you if needed.
Our grandson loved the shows in the evenings too. All the bright costumes, music, lights and character son stage kept his attention for the entire hour. They also have a few matinees of these shows where it's not as crowded which you may find easier with a little one in hand.
We didnt do the character meet n greets as our GS was afraid of the characters up close.
On the Tv in your room there is alway animated movies and cartoons on which is helpful to get them to sit still long enough to take a nap.
will write more later company just walked in the door.
mom x4,grandma x4

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Ok i'm back,
Now if you take a stroller I would recommend it be an umbrella type. The hallways, near your rooms are narrow, very hard if you have a full size stroller if you meet someone coming the other way or to get past the cleaning carts. Also most excursions dont work too well with big strollers where as an umbrellas type folds very small and is easy to take up stairs, in taxi's , or on tour buses. I have seen people struggling with big ones many times. I dont know what stops you have on the 11 day but if you stop at St. Maartin they have a butterfly farm tour which is fun even for as young as your child is.
Deck 7 has a secret deck at the rear of the ship. It is secluded somewhat and very quiet. This is a good place to le tyour child run of some energy or to play ball with him where you wont be in anyones way and he wont get stepped on. There are solid walls instead of railings so it's very safe.
Just get on deck 7 and walk as far to the rear of the ship as you can go and you will see a small door with a window in it, that is deck 7. just ask any CM if you dont see it. I went on 6 DCL cruises before I even knew theyhad that deck. Late at night the older kids in the clubs use it to tell ghost stories.
Well i hope this has helped you some. If I can help with any other questions please feel free to ask. i have done 10 DCL cruises with ages from 18 months to 51 years of age so we have experienced most parts of the ship and events aboard.
mom x4,grandma x4

[barisue]

thank you for all your insights. we are very excited and I will be sure to print out your input and make sure we find that secret deck.

[jabraun]

I Have A 20 Month Old And We Are Leaving On The Explorer Of The Seas 3/26. We Were On The Wonder 6 Years Ago And We Loved It!
THEY REALLY CATER TO THE KIDS ON THOSE SHIPS. I'M HOPING RCL IS JUST AS GOOD. ANOTHER TIP FOR YOU IF YOUR CABIN ONLY HAS A SHOWER AND NOT A TUB. TAKE A BLOW UP TUB FOR THE 19MONTH OLD TO TAKE A BATH IN. HAVE A GREAT CRUISE!