Cruising with a toddler

Any tips on cruising with a toddler? Thanks in advance

Be flexible. Did it last year, doing it again in two weeks

Kids clubs are great if they are 2 and use the buggy to push them around when they get tired on the ship cos they will.

Get a balcony so that you can still enjoy the cruise while the little one is napping!

We did it with our son when he was 14 months and will again the day after his 2nd birthday in September. Be sure to pack everything that you use at home from diapers and wipes to meds and powdered pedialyte in case there are any pains, injury or illness. You won't be able to find any of those things on the ship and they are hard to find in the ports. Also be sure to bring some disposable bags for diapers if the child is still in diapers as this will help keeps smells in the cabin at a minimum and it makes it more sanitary for the steward when they are sorting your daily garbage.

Don't plan to do a lot and just go with the flow. Our son was pretty easy going on his last cruise, but he had a lot of trouble sleeping the first two days of the trip and we weren't able to do much because he was grumpy. He went with the flow throughout the rest of the trip after he caught up on sleep. Take a small stroller (the big ones don't navigate down the halls or in the public spaces well plus storage is an issue). We had a portable DVD player with us and it really came in handy so he could watch a few of his favorite shows when he seemed overwhelmed and needed something familiar.

Also take a stuffed animal, blanket or a pillow that will smell like home. It helps make them more comfortable when sleeping. We tried to use a hotel and a ship sheet in his cribs and that's what caused his sleep problem so we switched to the sheet we brought from home. As soon as he laid his head down he smiled and went right to sleep.

Okay, well not "just" returned...we were on a 7 day in May with our 2yr old and it was our first time cruising with kiddo. Expect tears, get to know your neighbors and apologize immediately..we even offered to buy them drinks, but we were lucky. One set of neighbors were grandparents and actually checked on our little girl quite often. The other neighbors made it clear that they had little ones, but chose not to cruise with them...so we made.sure if they were on their balcony, we weren't. So they could have their quiet time.

You will be tag team cruising. Don't expect everyone to do.everything together, but make sure you get a night out too...I went to the comedy show and through the shops while Daddy watched Devan. He would go to the spa steam rooms and Devan and I would go dancing in the atrium or in the back rows of the main show.

Take a nose ball (the booger suckers) and a box of puffs: with going in and out of AC, we needed it. Luckily we checked with the clinic and was able to buy one $6.50.

Also make a fun bag for the MDR. It's a long wait sometimes. We would put something new in her purse or backpack each night (and always had extras to share with our 2 new friends who were assigned at our table) I went to the Party store and picked up 5 of each favor for every night (sickers, finger puppets, bendy sticks, playdo, goop, tatoos, crayons&booklets) all were small sizes.

Take more supplies than you think you'll need. We used our diaper wipes and handi-wipes a lot.

Idid manage to open my book and read one chapter, while Devan napped on me on deck...

HAVE FUN AND RELAX IN SHORT SPURTS?

Oops, I meant stickers...not sickers...they'll be exposed to enough germs without you bringing extra. Don't forget little bottles of hand sanitizers or wipes

Sorry, I'm remembering other things.

Not sure how you feel about the harness (no, they are not leashes). We had gotten Devan a little backpack with the detachable line. She loved it. We always made sure she had a sheet of stickers (not sickers), and a few small toys from home (little people) and crayons. Then she had to have her big girl bag on if she wanted to walk. We never used the umbrella stoller on the ship. Many people commended us for it, as she had her "independence" and by the time we left, she was leading us as she knew where to go.

I got the bag @ BabiesR Us for $15 and we use it lots (we are themepark pros). They had girl & boys. I didn't like the stuffed animal ones. Although they were cute, I knew we would get rained on at some point and they would get heavy. Also they seemed like they would be hot to wear on the ship.

To bring any meds that you would normally need: Tylenol, Motrin and such. Very pricey if you have to purchase while on board. We have a red milk drinker also known as strawberry milk so we bring a bottle of it.

Decorate your door with things at the child's height to make it easy for them to find the room :) bring candies that your child loves as a treat. Yes, most ships have a candy store. I never seen chips! Glow sticks can be fun as well.

We also pack surprise toys and things for MDR waiting after all they are little people who get bored.

Extra swim suit so it's not always wet.

To bring any meds that you would normally need: Tylenol, Motrin and such. Very pricey if you have to purchase while on board. We have a red milk drinker also known as strawberry milk so we bring a bottle of it.

 

Decorate your door with things at the child's height to make it easy for them to find the room :) bring candies that your child loves as a treat. Yes, most ships have a candy store. I never seen chips! Glow sticks can be fun as well.

 

We also pack surprise toys and things for MDR waiting after all they are little people who get bored.

Extra swim suit so it's not always wet.

You can get chips free with room service.

My best advice would be to let the grandparents enjoy your child for a week. I love my kids dearly but would never have taken them on a cruise as toddlers.

My best advice would be to let the grandparents enjoy your child for a week. I love my kids dearly but would never have taken them on a cruise as toddlers.

Except I am the grandparent. So I really appreciate the tips. We are sailing to Alaska and it is truly a family trip. We will be able to share the joys of sailing with a 22 month old with the rest of the family.

My best advice would be to let the grandparents enjoy your child for a week. I love my kids dearly but would never have taken them on a cruise as toddlers.

I waited until my youngest was 5. It wasn't for me either- cruising with them but so young. But if you decide to do it, there has already been some good tips posted. I'm sure others will chime in. I would echo bringing meds such as Tylenol so you don't have to purchase on board. Lots of wipes and extra diapers (if applicable). You might also want to pack a nightlight and their favorite doll/teddy at bedtime.

Enjoy your trip!

we cruised with our son at 11, 14 & 27 months and I concur with the advice about bringing all meds even if you think he won't need them. Also take a compact stroller, but one that gives good shade and reclines for naps. For the cruise after our son turned 2, a DVD player or iPad is a lifesaver. It kept him entertained through dinners and elsewhere around the ship.

Look on the Family Cruising board for more info.

we'sailed'with gd when she was 18 months. no pools', no camps she did very well at dinner. we used much disposables, from bibs to'sippy cups. she ate the chilled soups from a straw. high chairs have no trays they are the kind that pulls up to the tables. after we were done dinner we headed out side on deck 3 and let her run off that energy. especially after sitting for two hours. she'is now 7 and she is going with us on cruise number 4 for her.

We never took ours until they were at least 5 ...

but, but, but sat around a couple several times with their cute 20 month old.

They had cruised many times before the baby and decided to take him ... knowing it would be a totally different sort of cruise for them.

They still had a good time ... just a different sort of good time.

(They were glad they had a balcony cabin.) ;)

LuLu

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one thing we always took especially when my son was younger is an Umbrella Stroller.....Comes in handy on and off the ship and folds up compactly when not in use.

On the stroller. If your walking the track it's great as well as in ports. I'm taking one for our 3yr old. Little ones don't always walk fast enough to keep up with adults and I know where he is :D

So glad your asking that way you can be prepared as well as Mom & Dad.

Our first cruise was with our then 16 month old daughter to Alaska in 2003. It was great!

My suggestions . . .

Definitely get a balcony so you can enjoy the beautiful scenery during naptime or at bedtime. When we've done a family cruise with our children and other family members, we've arranged for connecting cabins, so the kids could go to sleep in one cabin and an adult could read or watch t.v. without having to go to bed.

Also, bring Clorox wipes and wipe down the areas that are eye-level for children. Even though the cabins are clean, I always felt that these areas may be overlooked.

Encourage the child to eat off the regular menu in the dining room. What a wonderful way to try something new. My kids have never eaten off the kids menu. Who knew they would love Caribbean Pepper Pot soup or Tofu Sushi?

Try to stick with a somewhat regular nap/bedtime schedule. In Juneau, we did a short morning shore excursion, came back for a nap and then went to Mendenhall Glacier later in the day.

Cruising with a toddler is different, but I wanted to share these travel experiences with my children. Enjoy!

Grab some boxes of cereal at breakfast to keep in the cabin or take ashore for snacking. If you child is fussy with new foods, pack some of his favorites to have on hand. My son isnt a toddler but has autism. We bring alot all his favorite food with us. He eats alot of PB&J. The only ships food he will eat is the cereal and the french fries.

Like the others have said is dont expect alot from him (her) and just go with the flow. Let him set the pace. Otherwise, you will both be miserable.

My boys are 3 and 5 and will be going on their 7th and 8th cruises (respectively) in August. (don't think they will make it to platinum the old way, darn!)

Anyhow, obviously they have been cruising since they were very young and I cannot echo the comment enough of just going with the flow and letting them set the pace. Every cruise has been different. In the beginning I would get disappointed because a prior cruise had gone a certain way and I felt that now it wasnt "working out". It all works out once you babe reasonable expectations and can just relax about things.

At home we are very scheduled about naps, food, and such. Every time we cruise, we just see how it goes. If they nap, they nap, if they don't p, they don't. They may fall asleep at dinner.

Seriously, go and have a ball. I cannot imagine not having these experiences with my family. I understand they may not remember it all. But we will. And the bond just grows closer.

My dd is 4 and has seven cruises under her belt. One thing helped when she was younger is I made disposable packs to take to the mdr. I put a bib, a plastic disposable place may, her size fork and spoon, her cup, and crayons. She has always done well in the mdr and always eats off regular menu.

Make sure to take her blankie and favorite stuffed animal.. We go with the flow. This past cruise on the dream was first time she really wanted to go to kids club. I checked out the schedule and dropped her off only for the activities I thought she would enjoy. Since it was a family vacation we wanted to spend time with her as well.

Look on the Family Cruising board for more info.

Thanks a bunch, I will have to find that board.

My best advice would be to let the grandparents enjoy your child for a week. I love my kids dearly but would never have taken them on a cruise as toddlers.

I am the grandparent. I'm excited about taking her along with 8 other family members so we have enough people to take turns escorting her around the ship.

please keep the suggestions coming!

I am the grandparent. I'm excited about taking her along with 8 other family members so we have enough people to take turns escorting her around the ship.

 

 

please keep the suggestions coming!

That makes you a good grandparent :). Taking care of your granddaughter by committee should make it easier on everyone involved. When my kids were toddlers I had to keep a very close eye on them. On a cruise ship it would have been even more intense. I didn't cruise until my kids were teens and they love it. Hope you enjoy your cruise!