Excursions with 17 month old

We will be stopping at Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Belize. What excursions can we take him on? Also, what activities onboard a Carnival Cruise ship can he participate in? I've been on many cruises but none with a baby :) Thank you in advance :)

Children have to be 2 to participate in the "kid's club"....they will have some parent/baby play times....that's about it.

As far as excursions...what do you want to do? Beaches are easy to do without ANY excursion!

If there is an activity you want to book thru the ship, go online, do a mock booking and it will give you the age limits, if any.

Most ships do NOT allow babies in diapers in the pools. Some folks will bring a blow up tub for splashing on the pool deck....also useful for bathing a child who's afraid of the shower!

Also baby is either free or at a reduced rate. However, if it is something like a bus tour be aware that car seats can't be installed. If you take up a seat that an adult could fill you will be charged.

Please also consider the excursion. Is this something he will enjoy then great but if it is something that a kid will find boring you need to consider his "break down" issues. We all know that kids cry. What is not nice though is your child crying (or any other loud noise) and bothering the rest of the people on the excursion. They paid their money too and deserve an enjoyable environment.

Before anyone gets upset with me as a child hater - I am anything but. I often travel with family and friends and that includes my very young grandchildren. My DGD was only 6 months on her first cruise. The time adjustment and unknown environment made for a lot of night crying issues. At that time brother was around 2 and on our bus ride had a melt down. Thankfully they had a bathroom I could take him into and tried to get him to calm down. Unfortunately those doors are not sound proof and the bus load could still hear him scream for 20-30 minutes.

The experience taught me to be more considerate of my fellow cruisers. It was private tours from then on. I don't want my kids bothering the old folks and I don't want the old folks bothering my kids (as said from an old folk). Believe it or not, this works out better. We get more personalized tours where if the kid needs a stop, we stop. Ten minutes of running around, the adults get to stretch their legs then back on the bus for the rest of the trip.

It's usually much cheaper for a party of three to do their own thing (taxi), and there normally is an age minimum for tours.

Also baby is either free or at a reduced rate. However, if it is something like a bus tour be aware that car seats can't be installed. If you take up a seat that an adult could fill you will be charged.

 

Please also consider the excursion. Is this something he will enjoy then great but if it is something that a kid will find boring you need to consider his "break down" issues. We all know that kids cry. What is not nice though is your child crying (or any other loud noise) and bothering the rest of the people on the excursion. They paid their money too and deserve an enjoyable environment.

 

Before anyone gets upset with me as a child hater - I am anything but. I often travel with family and friends and that includes my very young grandchildren. My DGD was only 6 months on her first cruise. The time adjustment and unknown environment made for a lot of night crying issues. At that time brother was around 2 and on our bus ride had a melt down. Thankfully they had a bathroom I could take him into and tried to get him to calm down. Unfortunately those doors are not sound proof and the bus load could still hear him scream for 20-30 minutes.

 

The experience taught me to be more considerate of my fellow cruisers. It was private tours from then on. I don't want my kids bothering the old folks and I don't want the old folks bothering my kids (as said from an old folk). Believe it or not, this works out better. We get more personalized tours where if the kid needs a stop, we stop. Ten minutes of running around, the adults get to stretch their legs then back on the bus for the rest of the trip.

I agree with this advice. Those bus excursions make ME want to cry and melt down, let alone a child - there is so much waiting, being herded around. Private tours (look on the ports of call board here) or private taxi are so much more enjoyable - and often less expensive. So nice to be able to stop for an ice cream, play longer or cut the day short all based on your needs.

Best,

Mia

We will be stopping at Cozumel, Mahogany Bay, and Belize. What excursions can we take him on? Also, what activities onboard a Carnival Cruise ship can he participate in? I've been on many cruises but none with a baby :) Thank you in advance :)

He can't do any of the kids activities but can go just about anywhere you go (except dance club, casino etc.).

In Cozumel, the easiest thing to do is grab a cab, toss him on your lap and go to one of the myriad of beaches recommended here. If the adults want to do something fun and alternate watching him, Chankanaab is a great option for a dolphin encounter. But the park is huge with a crocodile exhibit, a giant lagoon, play ground, as well as pool and beach.

In Belize, I would either suggest Goff's Caye (you can chose to snorkel from the small island or the boat) or the zoo. I have not been to the zoo but it gets great reviews.

In Roatan, look at Victor Booden or one of the other private tour operators so that you can cater to your needs and perhaps see some animals, see this lovely island, and enjoy some beach time.

I generally love to snorkel. I also love history and wildlife. My parents and cousin will be with us if we need to take turns watching him. He's already been to Hawaii and Vegas once and he's a pretty good traveler (knock on wood). I'd prefer not to do just a beach trip. I have hired a private taxi on other cruises and wouldn't mind doing a private stop. Does anyone have someone to recommend or a company? Is there any way to do snorkeling, the zoo, and some history? I should mention that I'm a teacher and love exposing him to as much as possible. Thank you so much for all of your help!! We are on Carnival BTW and didn't get any special discount besides that of a 3rd person :( Booooo