mmargaretg

If you are not planning on renting a car, I don't think there is a need for a car seat. All the ports are either in walking distance or provide a bus shuttle. We went 4 years ago with a tiny 11 month old and a small 3 year old and never even thought about the need for carseats. We are returning this year and won't take the carseats. If you are really stuck in Victoria Ketchikan is a compact place with lots of things to look at and a lovely place to just walk around. I think the bus shuttle in Victoria doesn't even charge for little tiny ones, but I may be wrong. If there was something far away from the Inner Harbor that you had to see and take the baby, then I could see a potential need for a taxi, but you can plan what you want to do and make your decision on that. Do taxis or Uber ever have carseats?

Thank you so much for sharing this. Truly, it's one of the best blog reviews that I have read!

We were just off the Jewel. Negronis were on the temporary, fleetwide cocktail menu. Aperol was listed as well.

mmargaretg

What is the banana martini drink without cream?

Thanks,

mmg

You might want to look into the cruise line's special needs assistance. NCL and RCI have a special number to call, so I would think other lines may as well. You might get priority boarding or a private muster drill or other things that could help you AMD your son have a more comfortable trip.

You know what is best for your son!

Hello-

I am looking to see if anyone has info on the cribs on NCL. I see the thread about RCCL, just wondering if I should just pack our pack and play because we will be driving to the port, and it would be easy enough.

 

Also, has anyone been on the Jade? I know there aren't drop off programs for him, but is there a kids splash pad like on other NCL ships?

 

This is our first cruise since our baby moon and I can't wait! We will be sailing in our first suite, the 2 bedroom. My mother will also be joining us. I am very excited! Any other tips and advice would be much appreciated.Thank you!

We sailed with our tiny 2 year-old on the Pearl. I called and requested a pack and play. They also had mini cribs and could tell me the exact dimensions of both the p&p and crib. You might want your own sheet and a blanket since they only had regular-sized ones. We also were in a family suite and put the p&p next to the closets between the main br and the bathroom. Our older two had the other bedroom. On the Pearl, the sister of the Jade, there was a parent and tot play area for the under three crowd. They can bring you a highchair for the room if you plan on eating in. You can request that the fridge be emptied if you need to store snacks or drinks.

Have a wonderful trip!,

MMG

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am hoping that my parents can come with us but if not maybe they will be in the next boarding group. I don't think a 2 bedroom would work for us. I need my space. LOL. My soon to be 2 year old is just getting out of the crib. So I wonder if I should bring my pack and play for her to sleep in. She is a wild sleeper and they do not sleep in the bed with me. Is there enough space in the room for something like that?

You can request a pack and play or mini crib. Call the pre-cruise Haven concierge ahead of time. They can give you the measurements. We used one when our littlest was 2 but we were on the Pearl and in a different cabin. They just had regular sheets, so you might want to bring your own sheet and at least a blanket. If it seems too big, you can request it's removal. Someone suggested moving it to the balcony during the day which might work well in your suite. You can always ask about the room service for the grandparents.

Have a wonderful trip!

your pictures are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing them!

We cruised Glacier Bay two years ago on NCL with a 2 year-old and an almost 4 year-old. We liked it so much that we are going back this year and taking the Sawyer Glacier route. Neither of my boys went to the kid's club, but there was still a lot to do to keep them occupied. The staff and crew were very child-friendly. There are some great deals going on now.

There are a lot of great, cheap things to do with little ones in Alaska. In Juneau, there is an awesome museum that is very family friendly. It is a short walk from the dock -- at least where our ships have docked. Ben Franklin is a great place to get cheap cool Alaskan souvenirs in Juneau. Pretty much the whole town of Skagway is a National Park. There is a free guided tour of the town. You just need to check in with the park rangers and get a free ticket. The park rangers are great with children. Ketchikan is a great place to just walk around. If your timing is good, the salmon might be running. There is an incline/ funicular that takes people up to the resort for a dollar or two. It might be a bit steep but it is not at all like the Tramway in Juneau. There is a fantastic display of Native Alaskan art at the resort and it's free to look at and they have great restrooms. There is also an amazing taxidermy store in Ketchikan. The owner gave my then almost 4 year-old a free rabbit's foot. We went on an Alaskan cruise (NCL) 2 years ago with a 2 and almost four year old and had such a good time, we're going again this year. You might want to check on the Alaska board for more into. Have a wonderful trip!

There is a really nice history museum in Juneau that you might want to look into. My kids have all loved it. That doesn't really help answer your question, though.

I think there is another sundeck on the Pearl that supposedly was an adult only area for topless sunbathing. It's on very top deck opposite the Haven sundeck. It may be blocked off now. If my memory serves me right, I don't think any of the decks were super super crowded when we were in Glacier Bay. People were out, but there was still plenty of room. Have a wonderful trip!

We were on the Pearl in 2013 in a Haven Suite. There was, perhaps, one other family on the top deck when we were there. A forward facing balcony might be an even better view. I think they may broadcast the commentary on the TV.