Cruising without the kids - how to convince the wife?

[OhioBeachBum]

How do I convince the wife that it's OK to take a cruise without the kids? I'd like for the two of us to take a cruise but she's worried about being so far away from the kids. Who's done it and how often did you call home? When you did call home, how did you do it? What would we do if something happened and we needed to get off the ship and back home quickly? We've always taken a land vacation for our anniversary but I think a cruise would be better. Bring on the advice!

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

Great, now I'm hooked!

[green eyed lady]

Sorry OhioBeachBum...I agree with your wife! Although I don't know how old your kids are, I wouldn't enjoy myself if I was that far away from my kids and totally unavailable in an emergency. I know that's not what you were hoping to hear, but maybe some dads will step up and agree with you! Good Luck!

Jen

[Catrin]

How old are your kids??

We cruised when our kids were only 4 1/2 and 1 1/2... it was when my husband had finished a year of chemo.... and we were very stressed and needed the vacation...

Although it was hard to leave them... we had a wonderful time. It was great to discover each other again... just us.

Then, last year, we brought the kids... 3 yrs later... it was a totally different experience. We were on thier schedules... early nights and early mornings. Our vacation revolved around Camp Carnival and fun activities. We had a blast! and we are taking them back this year.. but secretly we would love another week alone!

I would say, if you could do it.. and if you need it.. then do it. As long as you promise to take them the next time!
Cathy

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TRIUMPH May2003


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[afdds]

Left them with their grandparents for our ten year anniverary. All parties involved had a great time. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
This was back in 1995 and we didn't have a cell phone. Called from a pay phone in St. Thomas. Once from hotel in San Juan and once from the ship. Worth every penny!

All other cruises we have kept in daily contact through email on ship. Also worth every penny.

I think the grandparents really enjoy the time alone with the kids. Once we get back, we hear all kinds of funny stories. Don't you know my parents get an ear full too.

I'm sure the time involved in getting back depends on where you cruise too. I was a little nervous for the first time cruising all the way down to Panama. But once again everything was AOK at home. My parents always have a temp. power of attonery for the dates we are gone. As far as land tours and time returning home, would also depend on where you go. You'll have a great time no matter what or where you go!

[selucrey]

Just put your foot down and tell her you are going without kids and that's that!


Yeah,right.Like that would work in MY house.Seriously,Parents do need time away from kids once in a while.We vacationed for years with our children but did a cruise a couple of years ago without them.We found out that they got along just fine and it was like a second honeymoon for us.At the time,our youngest was eight.I don't know if I would do it with toddlers though.You can be contacted on-board in an emergency and you can call ship-to-shore but it's expensive.It's better to call home from a port-of-call.You can also catch a flight home from most ports if needed.Take the cruise.

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[Salty Dawg]

OhioBeachBum ,
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>What would we do if something happened and we needed to get off the ship and back home quickly?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Regarding this issue, you really should invest in cruise insurance if you decide to book a voyage. It is a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing you would financially be able to return home as quick as possible.


Ken & Nancy http://www.geocities.com/hnhutchins1/pets/dog4.gif

[Wnt2Bol]

I for one have never had this problem, My wife and I left on our first cruise when our daughter was 4 months old. OK let the flaming begin---but, We figure we need to get away just us. We have now been on three cruises (just got back three weeks ago) without our kids, (we now have a son that is nine months old). Don't get me wrong we also take a vacation with our kids, but, the cruises are ours. We are already booked on two in 2005. We just take a picture of the kids, hang it on the mirror in the cabin, and enjoy our vacation. We do call and check on them, but we figure our parents raised us with no problems they can take care of our two kids for a week.

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[scottp]

Agree with the neighbor from NC above. Let the grandparents keep'em for a week. We have taken the kids on several(5) cruises and also take some without them.(especially during the school year). Yes, we missed them, but would call when in port (very easy). Didn't bother them at all.

Sometimes you just gotta do it!!

P.S. Tell the DW that you're going on a cruise for two without the kids. Give her the first option to be the 2nd person in the cabin. If she refuses, well then...................

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[celbercrz333]

It all depends on the age of the kids. It also depends on if your wife is a stay at home mom or not--or just her personality. Us SAHMs do many activities with our kids and therefore almost forget what it's like to be a wife in the early years. My kids are (almost)21 and 17 and now we can go on cruises without worrying about them. Is your wife a constant worry-wort? Is she the kind (if she works) who miss the kids and think of them at work a lot?
Tell her the cruise is for her good as well as yours.
-Joanne
Celebrity Zenith 10/2003
coming: Fall 2004 - Fascination

[tef43]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by selucrey:
Just put your foot down and tell her you are going without kids and that's that!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Absolutely! She has a choice, she can come with, or stay at home with the kids.

Nothing wrong with this plan at all, it's win-win for you.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

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[Tom-n-Cheryl]

oooh tef... LOL

I think I will just sit back and read the responses on that one.. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

-----------------------------------------

Addressing the OP : there must be a balance in life - you need quality time with the whole family, and then you also need away time with the spouse... two totally different cruise (or otherwise) experiences...!

Tom

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[SUSANITA]

I'm a mother who never left her kids with anyone, not even Grandma, until they were at least three. I just was a total freak about it, and the fact that I breastfed them as babies was a large factor in why I wouldn't leave them (they wouldn't take a bottle). That said, let me tell you, I'm making up for it now!! Hang in there with her, and be supportive of her feelings, she'll be greatful for your support and there WILL come a day when she will leave them.

Alot will depend on the ages of your kids. If they are very small, babies or young toddlers, your wife may not be able to relax enough to even make the cruise fun for her. If they've stayed with Grandma before and it's been successful, you may have more leverage. I suggest "trying it out" for a couple of nights while you are in town, to help convince her that they will be just fine. Once you know that they are capable of being without you, and once your wife can relax enough to have a good time, and and know that they won't be damaged for life, then she may be more willing to think about it. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

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[imatarb]

I think it's important for couples to spend time with each other outside of their children and reconnect. If a relative (i.e. grandma) will keep the kids, then by all means, go for it. They will be in good hands, and you can call often and check in.

We are heading out soon, and our 5-yr. old will stay with my mom and her husband. We know that he will be well-cared for, and we have no worries. I'm sure we'll check in a few times, but it's my husband's FIRST VACATION ever in his 41 years, so this is pretty important. (He's always taken time off to see friends and family, etc, and while I find that to be enjoyable at times, I don't consider that to be a 'vacation'). This trip is just for the two of us, and perhaps next year we'll take Tyler.

Also, I have a friend at work who does a vacation every other year, just her and her husband, and the opposite year is family vacation. I think that's a great idea and makes for very happy families!

Lisa and Mark http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
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[newcruiser452]

We are leaving our kids back at home for our 20th wedding anversery and will enjoy ourselves. With pre-cruise vacation and cruise it will be 13 days and our kids are 2 & 5 years old. But are leaving them in very capable hands.

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[way2fast72]

My wife and I have been married 18 yrs.I have been 5 long yrs trying to convince her that she and I need some time together,just the 2 of us and I cant wait.
This year I brought up the cruise thing again and she said"if you can work it all out,Ill go"needless to say,I was on the phone with the TA the next day.Got everything set up without her knowing and surprised her with it,I dont think she thought I could do it.LOL all by myself.Anyways,I feel your pain and hang in there,good luck

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[imlulu]

I think it is a very personal decision.In the past my dh never wanted to leave the kids and vacation. We have 2 boys who are involved in all kinds of things. Now I know I couldn't leave them. My kids will only stay over at my parents.My dh's family has different priorities and values then we do. My kids don't enjoy going over there.My parents are semi retired though they love having my kids over. However they have raised their family and deserve their time now. Therefore our kids vacation with us. That is fine. Soon enough they will be on their own. The memories we make now as a family are worth it.

No longer cruiseless...donations still accepted! Miracle 2/2005

Last cruise
Sensation 2/17/03

[halos]

It's hard to leave your babies, especially the first time but it is so nescessary for couples to be just by themselves on occasion. You'd be surprised that in the long run this is SO good for the kids as well. Children get a feeling of security in the knowledge that their parents love each other...
The first time my husband and I scheduled a weekend away without our first child, we backed out. The second time, he surprised me with a 4 day get-a-way, arranged for my Mom to have my daughter and I was so happy, yet at the same time, for those weeks before we left, I was just sick with the anticipation. I finally told myself that yes, no one will take care of my kids the same way that I do, but my Mom raised 3 of us without letting us get killed for goodness sake, so I'm sure she can take care of my baby. Plus, I reminded myself how I used to feel with my grandparents. They are some of my best and happiest memories. Surprisingly, after we dropped her off, I actually started to feel better and by the time we got to where we were going, I actually felt calm. We had a great time and Yes, every time after that when we went away ourselves, I worried just as much. But we would go and I always had a great time and let's face it...what is better for a kid than staying with a grandparent who spoils them to death??
Everyone will tell you how good this is for your marraige and this is true, but you can't even begin to know how good this is for your kids.
Being a parent is hard for that reason, because what is good for your kids is ALWAYS hard on you, but you need to be strong. My girls are teens now and they are growing up into very secure adults because their father and I took time for ourselves.
Do it now while the kids are young. When they get older and don't really need a babysitter, it's actually harder to get away! Also, my rule of thumb was to NEVER call home. I always made it a point to tell my Mom to get hold of me for an emergency, but I did NOT check in...it seemed pointless to me because if you call your kids (young ones) no matter how they were getting along great without you there, the minute they hear your voice, they start to whine and cry...it's not good. Kids need to learn that the world does not revolve around them. We tried to get away at least every 12 to 18 mos. by ourselves for at least a long weekend. My children did not suffer because of this, they only benefitted from it. It's not easy letting them go, but let's face it, it's good practice for parents to do this because before you know it, one day, you HAVE to let them go. Take it from me, my daughter is in KY in school...we live in Maine. She is very independent and mature and we have an awesome relationship..I couldn't ask for more. She tells her father and I constantly that in a world full of divorced parents, she feels blessed for us to be together...
take time for yourselves and do it FOR your kids.

I believe in Miracles
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[ginag]

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I feel for you! It's so hard to leave the little ones at home...no matter what age. We've never left our girls during vacation time, but we are planning to next year. Do I feel guilty or will I worry? You bet! That's only normal.

You need time to yourselves. Only then can you be a better spouse to one another, but also a better parent...and who doesn't want that!? And no...the kids won't be "scared for life", no matter what someone says! Just my personal thoughts.

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[welovetocruise1234]

We pay an older lady to stay at our house for the week. I have a 3 and 4 year old and I need a vacation from them!
We took my daughter last year on Celebrity and it was not a vacation, it was a TRIP!



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Let's get the cards in the air

Cruises
1984 Boheme
1986 Rotterdam
1989 Costa Riveria
1990 Jubilee
1991 Ecstasy
??? Fantasy
1995 Jubilee
1999 Sensation
2000 Majesty of the Seas
2002 Grand Princess
2003 Celebrity

Plus other that slipped my mind!!

[soccermommie]

I was going to go the route of reminding her that one of the best gifts parents can give their children is the model of a loving, devoted marriage. This, of course, takes time and effort and the hectic schedules of families nowadays really present an obstacle for "couple time". Cruises offer the perfect setting for relaxing, reconnecting and focusing solely on each other.

But then I reread your post, and the problem does not appear to be your wife's hesitation to leave the children behind period since you two do take landbased vacations on your anniversaries. It seems that she is uncomfortable with the perceived inaccessibility of being on a cruise. True, you cannot just hop back in the car or on a plane within moments notice of an emergency to get back home. However, you can keep in touch with the kids via internet on the ship and pay phones in port. (We e-mail every sea day and call at each port using a calling card). There is a number available for reaching you on the ship that we leave with the grandparents as well with the understanding that it is only for dire emergencies since it is a very expensive call (to the tune of about $10/min). I second the advice to invest in trip insurance as this will help not only with arrangements for emergency transportation home but also with the expenses. Having that taken care of may remove some of her worries as well. Another thought: perhaps her anxiety would be decreased with a shorter first cruise. Maybe just 4 or 5 days rather than 7. Or maybe a more port intensive cruise would be a better alternative. More days in port and thus fewer days at sea would mean that she would have emergency transportation home more readily available than being out in the middle of the ocean for several consecutive days.

Here is perhaps my best advice, though: you cannot live your life expecting a tragedy; otherwise, you just aren't living. I'm not proposing throwing caution, safety and sanity to the wind; however, you miss out on a whole lot of life by worrying about the "what ifs" instead of the "what is".

Final shot at getting her to go: convince her it's really to scout out a family vacation to take with the children. To avoid the possibility of subjecting them to a questionable vacation experience, you want to thoroughly research the situation prior to taking them along. Such are the grueling demands of responsible parenting. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

soccermommie

[CGAGE]

Our daughter was born on June 22, 2003 and we left on the Glory for 7 days on
November 15, 2003. NOBODY thought I could leave her, but we went and had a wonderful time. Yes...it was hard, yes I was nervous, but I needed it so bad! She stayed with my parents who basically have a nursery set up at their house and she did great. I asked my mom to email me each day to let me know how her day and previous night had gone and that helped a lot! I also called twice from the ship and luckily our cell phone worked in St.Thomas and St. Maarten. So total we spoke with them 4 times and I checked my email about 5 or 6 times.
I agree with the previous posters about the trip insurance.
Best of luck to you both and Happy Cruising!

CARRIE

CELEBRATION-95
DESTINY-96
GRANDEUR/RCCL-97
IMAGINATION-98
VICTORY-00
FANTASY-03/01
MAJESTY/RCCL-06/01
SPIRIT-11/01
GRAND PRINCESS-03/02
MAJESTY/RCCL-06/02
SUN/NCL-07/02
SOVEREIGN/RCCL-11/02
GLORY-11/03
FANTASY-06/04
AOS/RCCL-09/04
INSPIRATION-11/04

[loops]

Ohiobeachbum:

I was on the Miracle 4/12 cruise also with my husband and my 5 year old, we left our 17 month old twin boys home with grandma and grandpa. Last May my husband and I took a 3 night cruise and left all 3 of them home with grandma and their aunt (at that time my daughter was 4 and the twins were 6 months old). When my daughter was 14 months old my husband and I went to Cancun for 3 nights and left her home with grandma and grandpa. It was hard leaving them home but it was re-assuring that we knew they were in good hands. We had a great time. Maybe you can talk her into doing a 3 or 4 night cruise. You just have to think positive that everything will be okay. We called home once on our Cancun trip and on the 3 night cruise we called home on debarking day. If there is an emergency you can be reached on the ship phone. And you can call from a pay phone when in ports if your cell doesn't work. You can always send emails from the ship. We made sure we left the pediatrician's phone number in case of an emergency. If I were her, I would go.

Miracle 4/12/04
Fascination 5/01/03
Ecstasy 3/15/92

[OhioBeachBum]

Thanks for all the excellent posts!

I hadn't thought about using the ship's Internet access to keep in touch (which is funny since I'm an IT consultant!). I think the idea of doing a 4 or 5 day cruise would make her more comfortable. I also like the idea of a "port intensive" cruise. Does anyone have suggestions on which ship/itinerary would be good for that?

I agree that buying trip insurance is the way to go. During our 4/12 cruise there was a medical emergency and the person had to be evacuated via helicopter by the coast guard. This was on a sea day so the family had to wait until we got to Nassau to catch a plane to Miami (at least that's what I heard). This incident, however, only served to re-enforce my wife's reservations about leaving the kids.

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

Great, now I'm hooked!

[margaritawoman]

Leave your kids at home you need to do this for each other. We always took vacations without kids it is good for you and good for them. Leave them with someone you trust, and get the insurance just in case. Have a wonderful cruise.

[jmurph]

Wow,
These are some good comments. I have 4 kids, now ages 17, 15, 9 and 6. My husband and I take vacations with and without them. If you take them with you, there is always camp carnival, BUT if your wife is not comfortable leaving them with someone, then she probably would not be comfortable with this.

Don't forget the child care authorization forms that allow the caregiver to make medical decisions and such. And leave plenty of ways for everyone to get in touch with you, IF the need arises. We even leave the number to the vet, in case something goes wrong with the dog. We always get the insurance if they are not traveling with us.

Trust in the fact that if these are grandparents, they obviously did something right for you to make it this far...AND we didn't even wear bike helmets...lol.

I also second the opinion that if you can just do a night out locally, maybe even go out and spend the evening at home while the little ones are somewhere else, it will help ease the upcoming situation.

I used to think that I wanted the kids to vacation with us for the experience, then as my mom said, "they have plenty of time to vacation and see things when they get older".

Life is short, go out and enjoy yourselves!

Jean

Ocean Beeze 10/01
NCL Sun 02/02
RCCL Majesty of the Seas 07/02
Sea Princess 02/03
NCL Sea 03/03
RCCL Serenade of the Seas Transatlantic 08/03
Carnival Victory 11/03
RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas....MARDI GRAS!!!!!!02/04
Carnival Destiny 06/13/04
RCCL Jewel of the Seas Transatlantic 09/04
Sapphire Princess Orient/Asia 03/05

[oldvato]

I used to think that I wanted the kids to vacation with us for the experience, then as my mom said, "they have plenty of time to vacation and see things when they get older".

My sentiments exactly.

But could it be that the honymoon is over for these folks and all they have left is the kids.

I don't know. I'm just asking.

[OhioBeachBum]

Let me remind everyone that my wife and I always take a vacation by ourselves every year for our anniversary. So, to respond to Vato's point about the honeymoon being over, that's definitely NOT the case. Quite frankly, that's a pretty RUDE comment.

My wife's reservations about leaving the kids to go on a cruise has to do with the "remoteness" of the vacation. You can't just hop a plane in the middle of the ocean if an emergency arises.

I totally agree that couples need to have time alone away from their kids. However, the comment about kids having plenty of time to vacation and see things when they get older seems a little callous. Parents are SUPPOSED to provide kids with experiences, not just sit them in front of the TV or pawn them off on relatives so as not to be bothered with them.

A friend once told me that the greatest tribute you can pay to your parents is to be an even better parent to your own kids. Growing up, the only vacations I ever had were six hour drives to my grandparents house. I enjoyed every one of them but they weren't exactly exotic getaways. As much as my wife enjoy our time alone, we also enjoy our time with our kids - THAT'S WHY WE HAD THEM!

Let the flaming begin.

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

Great, now I'm hooked!

[DreadPirateRobert]

Ohio,
It was always tough to leave the kids especially when we were hundreds of miles at sea. Surprisingly the toughest for me was the week after our son had left for college/"boot camp" at Texas A&M, so no matter how old they get you still feel the desire to be there for them.
I hear people talk about pawning the kids off on relatives as though it is always a bad thing. I guess it all depends on the situation but my semi-grown kids now have wonderful memories of time spent with grandparents. They traveled together, built things together and got to know their grandparents in a way that would never have been possible if we were there.
Without getting preachy I'd say trust in God to watch after your children and have fun. When they get a little older, take em along. We cruised with our kids when they got older and it was great too.

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[oldvato]

So, to respond to Vato's point about the honeymoon being over, that's definitely NOT the case. Quite frankly, that's a pretty RUDE comment.

It was not a comment. It was a question and it was not necessarily singling you out. I forgot to end my question with a "?".

It's good that you can afford two extravagant vacations a year. Some people can't.

So to answer your orignial question. What would we do if something happened and we needed to get off the ship and back home quickly?

Purchase the insurance that goes with the cruise. The insurance will pay for your evacuation off the ship on emergencies. I believe they will even Helo you off if necessary. The cruise line will also provide you with emergency numbers.

Check out this link and find out what your options are. http://www.carnival.com/CMS/Static_Templates/Vacation-Guarantee.aspx

Our children are grown and we have grand kids and yet we purchased the insurance for that same reason as you worry about. My children will have the emergency numbers just in case.

[This message was edited by oldvato on 04-27-04 at 04:06 PM.]

[L2J]

Book the cruise - leave the kiddies with Grandma and Grandpa and say "see you when we get back" - tell them NOT to call unless it's an emergency!!

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
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NCL Sky 2/02

[OhioBeachBum]

The insurance only pays if something happens to US while we're on the ship. If an emergency arose at home, we'd have to wait until the next port to disembark and then fly home.

Loved the Miracle 4/12/04

Great, now I'm hooked!

[halos]

Ya know, something could always go wrong while your away. It's always a possibility. The question is, do you want to prevent yourself from cruising with your wife alone because of this worry or are you the kind of people who have at least a small amount of faith that things will be fine? This all boils down to you and your comfort level...you asked how to talk your wife into this and now it sounds like you're talking yourself out of it. It doesn't sound like you are ready to leave the kids and be in a remote area without easy access to them either.
Do the land vacation and this way you won't be freaked out about it. Why torture yourself??
All inclusive islands are wonderful. You can cruise with your wife when the kids reach an age where you are less worried about them being left with family members.

I believe in Miracles
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MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[robcool]

How about starting out with a short cruise to try it? Or a cruise that visits destinations frequently that are easy to get in and out of? My wife and I left the kids at home for our four-day Fascination cruise that went to Key West and Cozumel. We don't have any problem leaving the kids with grandma for a few days, but if we did both places are easy to get out of quickly. Also the cell phones worked in both places, and since it was a short cruise, there was not as much time at sea.

Good luck Ohio!

--------------------------
"Semper Gumby" - Always Flexible
12/01 - Victory (Victory Review (http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=560))
2/04 - Fascination (Fascination Review (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=969097554&m=55610437&r=91010067#91010067))

It's a Miracle! Cruising on the Miracle 12/12/04!
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[oldvato]

The insurance only pays if something happens to US while we're on the ship. If an emergency arose at home, we'd have to wait until the next port to disembark and then fly home.

Looks like you are correct. I called the insurance company and they were not much help. The best advise they offered, if we needed to disembark, was to call their emergency number and try to get help from the ship's crew.

Like Halo says. The question is, do you want to prevent yourself from cruising with your wife alone because of this worry

Only you can make that decision.

[Kenster]

My bride and I have taken vacations without our two sons since they were very small. Sometimes, just weekends. Other times to Europe, Canada, etc. We also traveled extensively with them. Our sons are grown and gone now. Our cruise this summer will be celebrating our 30th anniversary and Old Vato,our honeymoon is still going on!

Carnival Carnivale -1988
Carnival Celebration - 2001
Carnival Celebration -June 2004

[imatarb]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Here is perhaps my best advice, though: you cannot live your life expecting a tragedy; otherwise, you just aren't living. I'm not proposing throwing caution, safety and sanity to the wind; however, you miss out on a whole lot of life by worrying about the "what ifs" instead of the "what is".<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Couldn't have said it better myself. Absolutely true.

Lisa http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[b]Monarch of the Seas - 1994
Royal Majesty - 1996

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Until VICTORY is ours


<MARQUEE>A day at sea is better than any day at work</MARQUEE>

[Kenster]

And just think of the prime bonding time they can have with the grandparents!

Carnival Carnivale -1988
Carnival Celebration - 2001
Carnival Celebration -June 2004

[KathyB]

If you have to "convince her" forget it!! She will not enjoy herself and neither will you.

[oldvato]

Our cruise this summer will be celebrating our 30th anniversary and Old Vato,our honeymoon is still going on!

Kenster, Good for you. Reminds me of when my wife and I went to Hawaii about 3 years ago. On our way to a Luau, the tour guide asked who was on their honeymoon. I raised my hand and said I was.

I understand traveling and vacationing wih kids. But to me vacationing with kids is going to Disney World, Disney land, Disney Cruises, or the various theme parks.

But Cruises, Hawaii,Cancun, Vegas, etc, that's different. But then that's just me.

When my kids were young, we would do a balancing act. We would take inexpensive vacations alone and then take them on vacation for a few days, usually a theme park. We would even invite their cousins. We had a blast.

But now my kids are grown, and we do the more extravagant vacations just the two of us.

[This message was edited by oldvato on 04-28-04 at 01:18 PM.]

[morriscats]

I am the "always take the kids" kind of person. If I went somewhere without them, spent the whole time saying "boy, they would love this". Then my husband and I were in an accident 5 years ago and he was killed instantly. Then I wished we had spent more time "just us". I am remarried now and we took a Mexican Riviera cruise in October and loved it. We are taking the kids and grandkids this August - but are planning another trip for us. The kids will be fine - and the memories you make - just the 2 of you - will last a lifetime.

8/29/04 Pride Cruise
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[britt-britt]

DH and I take weekend getaways that are not too far from home. I, personally, could not leave my 2 children at home while we cruise. Not that I don't trust our parents, but anything can happen. Last year we left them to go to an out of state funeral and my 2 YO son had to get stitches while we were gone. Instead of consoling my husband's family they were consoling me. We left them in VERY capable hands, but things can happen. For our 10 yr anniversary we brought both children and my mom and DH's mom. We had valuable couple time. Kids and grandmas had bonding time. Plus we also had family time. We cruised again in March, on the Miracle, and did the same. All of us are already busy planning when to take another one.