First time cruise with toddler...3-day

Hi guys. We have always wanted to go on a cruise but we just never got around to it. We're not sure if a seven day cruise for first timers like us would work well with a toddler.. or ourselves for that matter. So we are thinking of doing a simple 3 day cruise out of Los Angeles. The port is just a short drive from us so that makes it really simple.

I know these 3 day cruises have a reputation of being a party boat. Which would normally be fine for us. I guess my question is would a 3 day cruise be appropriate for my 18mo daughter? I realize activities for a toddler would be limited on any cruise.. But it is only a 3 day cruise and it would be more or less a test run for a longer cruise next year.

Both Carnival and Princess offer the 3 day cruises out of Los Angeles. I am leaning towards Princess vs Carnival but would appreciate any input.

Thanks Everyone

I'm a princess fan- that would be my choice.

With a toddler I'd go Princess since you can take your child into the kids area to play - lots of toys and other kids to play with. My girls LOVED it.

The only thing with a 3 day cruise is I wouldn't use it as a judge of how a 7 day cruise will go. The chaos of boarding and disembarking will be a larger part of the trip than on a week cruise, when you really have time to get on the ship's schedule and pretty much forget what day it is. I could see not enjoying a 3 day cruise, but loving a 7 day.

All the best,

Mia

It will be fine...if there is "partying" going on , you don't have to take part! Plenty of quiet areas for your toddler to toddle about! And, at 3 years old, all of the cruise lines have a kid's club she will probably love!

I also vote Princess. Less of a party crowd. And yes you can avoid it - unless the family reunion in the rooms adjoining yours turns into a drunken all party with people pulling stools and tables into the hall and hootin and hollerin still at 11 pm. Don't get me wrong - still love Carnival but would not take our kids on less than 5 days.

I don't think a 3 day is a good indicator of how a 7 day will go. They are very different in many ways.

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We've sailed many of these cruises on Carnival and Princess out of SoCal. Our worst 3day drunk fest was a F-M in November on Princess. I'd sail a three day during the low season (it's also cheaper) on the Imagination. It usually leaves on a Thursday, less of a party situation because of the work week.

Could you wait til your child is 2? Carnival's kid's clubs accept kids at 2yo.

FWIW I see no difference in going on a 3day cruise than going away anywhere else for the weekend. There are differences in a 3day v week long cruise. The longer cruises more sedate. There's a 6 day cruise on the Carnival Miracle leaving Dec 11 that'll be extremely sedate.

The West Coast Departure board has lots of info.

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I don't think a 3 day is a good indicator of how a 7 day will go. They are very different in many ways.

 

 

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I would agree. I found that longer cruises are better for my daughter. We try to do 10+ days if we can. If I'm packing for her for 3 days it's not that much effort to pack for longer!

I'm not saying you won't enjoy the 3 day but some children can take a while to adjust to new environments and routines.

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I would agree. I found that longer cruises are better for my daughter. We try to do 10+ days if we can. If I'm packing for her for 3 days it's not that much effort to pack for longer!

 

I'm not saying you won't enjoy the 3 day but some children can take a while to adjust to new environments and routines.

 

 

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I also agree- my kiddo does fine on both but longer cruises are def easier with him and have a totally different 'feel' on board. I would not be able to judge how he will do based on a 3 day because theY are so different (atmosphere, size and amenities of ships, etc). The only thing i would see it helping with is gauging the likelyhood of seasickness. plus packing all that extra stuff for a short trip... Ugh : )