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We took our DD on the Explorer Oct,2014 for 9nt Bermuda/Caribbean. She was 3yr at the time.

DD was fully potty trained, however a little nervous around public toilets since they're loud. I was concerned about her going potty by herself on the ship, knowing a ship's potty is louder than a public one! The staff will not help, the child must be fully independent. Everything went fine.

There was a desk inside the pier to list her name and get her id wristband. The wristband lists the muster station and has to be worn at all times. We were able to get her fully registered on board. (just a matter of listing our names and anyone else we wanted to name for pick up/drop off)

The rooms seemed very clean and organized. There was a large play item to climb/slide. I didn't see too many toys, but there were a lot of craft/coloring materials. You can tour the room on the 1st day when you register, but after that you don't walk into the room. You stand at the gate to sign in/out you child. I didn't think to look at all the toys because I thought they would be kept busy with the activities.

We received a daily program in our cabin each night - specific to her age group. The activities seemed to have a nice variety.

A special menu was given to her at dinner each night (same menu, same activities). She actually got bored with the activity by the 3rd night. I wish they rotated different menu/activity sheets.

DD goes to daycare, and is very social, so she was very happy to go to the camp.

I didn't like that they did face painting on the day for formal night! She wasn't too happy to have that cleaned off for pictures. :(

We did not do any of the late night parties.

This is not part of the camp - but there is a kiddie play pool area with a large pool and 2 slides. The camp will not take them swimming, so when she wasn't in camp, we would go here frequently. We also took her life jacket so she was able to swim independently (us by her side) in the large main pool.

We took our DD on her 1st cruise last year. She was 3.

I agree that the MDR is much easier than the Lido. If you decide to do the buffet, grab 3 plates, but fill 2 plates - 1 for you and 1 for both kids. Then when you get to the table, separate the food for each kid on their own plate.

We weren't sure how DD would handle the MDR for dinner, and decided to bring her leappad (with headphones) in a small backpack. After the 3rd night we realized that she wasn't using it and we didn't continue to bring it.

The waiters are so attentive. The children's menu was the same each night, but it had little activites on it. The food (for her) came out really fast.

Since you mentioned that you'll be hanging out at the pool each day - I'm not sure how good of swimmers your kids are, but I would suggest bringing life jackets. I felt more comfortable knowing that she was in a jacket while at the pool or beach. I'm not sure if Carnival will allow the 2 year old to go down the slide.

Another tip I would share is to bring a small medical kit - i.e. children's tylenol, band aids, coritzone cream, etc.; lots of sunscreen, and aloe.

They'll probably love the Camp so much they'll keep asking to go back everyday! If they're used to being in day care or play groups, they'll acclimate to the program very easy.

Kudos to you for getting prepared. I'm sure you'll have a great time!!

The last time we were there (a few years ago), we checked a few markets and could only find cheese that was in the refrigerator section. We didn't end up getting it, in fear that it would spoil on our return day home, being unchilled for so long.

Several years ago we found gouda in Aruba that was not refrigerated and was fully encased in wax.

Is the cheese at the Amsterdam cheese and liquor shop already chilled or is it in wax?

We sailed on Explorer in October 2014. The menu was the same, but the activity on the sheet was different than the one posted earlier. Our waiter really catered to DD (3 1/2yr) and had a pen ready to give her each night. (we did my time dining)

There are many food options on their menu (including healthy options!) and they are also welcome to order off the adult menu. Some portions were larger than others. You will probably find that the portions are huge for a 1 yr.

We were a little disappointed to see that the activity sheet was the same every night and did not differ, based on age of child. (we did a 9nt cruise) Around night 4, she was starting to lose interest in the activity, and looking for something else to do. Although we brought toys to entertain her during the cruise, we did not bring coloring books, etc. Nor did we bring them to the dining room. The time waiting for food is so short, it didn't justify bringing a backpack of toys to the dining room.

DD chose several different options throughout the week. All were very good, except the Mac and Cheese. It was very runny and the cheese didn't taste like real cheese. I think the "box" brand tastes better!

We're just off the Explorer. I purchased the bev package for DH and I prior to cruising. Our friend purchased inside the pier after checkin, but prior to boarding.

Our seapass cards had the sticker when we checked in and the mugs were in our room. Her card got the sticker when when she purchased. She also got the mug at time of purchase.

Our other friend also had the package. His sticker was replaced 3 times by the bar staff, as it would get worn, etc. No issue or promting, they just scrapped off the old and replaced with a new one when it wasn't legible anymore.

We recently sailed on the Explorer (10/9-9nt) with our 3yr DD. The same activity/menu sheet is given to them each night. The kids menu does not change. There are several options for dinner, and it does include hot dogs.

We're good to go for potty training. DD will be 3 1/2 by our cruise and goes mostly independent. Sometimes we have to remind about flushing and washing hands.

I was concerned about the height of the toilets too. Good to hear they have smaller ones. I also like the idea of the step stool. We have a folding one that should pack well.

Now, I just hope she isn't scared to go because of the flushing noise. :eek: Ship toilets are quite loud! Sometimes in public bathrooms (with automatic flushing) it takes her by surprise and really scares her.

Has anyone experienced this? How did you handle?

Thanks for all the great tips!