Playtime for Under 2's

[HORDOSR]

Hi, am a complete newbie here(so be gentle). Me and my wife are planning on doing a 5 day cruise sometime in December or January with what would be our 18 month old. This will be our 2nd cruise but 1st with the little one. It seems they charge about 45% for the third person in a cabin, at least for a balcony. Looking to spend some of our 10,000 k in airmiles and some flight credits we have. We will be making use of the babysitting service a bit when onboard as we would be saving the cost of babysitting by going and taking her along rather than working so can afford at least 4 hours a day of it for our alone time.

 

Thanks for all the information in this thread. Greatly appreciated.

[addie19]

There were was maybe one other child during babysitting when my son was there, and they were with a parent-- so, my son had a blast just playing with the two counselors that were there(it was in the camp carnival younger kids playroom--there is a partition that makes it into one big room for other activities). there is also only a charge if you leave them for babysitting, once you return and if you decide to play together for the remaining time, you are not charged.

 

fyi, a PARENT is the only one allowed to sign a child under 2 in/out of babysitting, probably the same for playtime! (no relatives of any sort) we had a couple excursions planned on our last cruise that went past the required pick-up time while we were in port and my mother could have picked him up, but she was not allowed--carnival rule, though this info is not stated on the website...at least not that I could find before we cruised in january on the valor. I don't believe carnival offers in-cabin babysitting at all.

 

we had very little trouble during dinner, as most of the crew misses their families and loved interacting with our son...everyone was extremely accommodating. our beds were always set up in the evening earlier too--we didn't request it, but again the crew understands the needs of kids!

 

crib was an actual metal crib(just a lot smaller), thank goodness, NOT a pack-n-play(the ones we get at hotels claiming to be cribs look so uncomfortable and must be because my son sleeps almost anywhere except in one of them!). sheets were provided, but it was a regular sized cruise bedsheet so we made do. depending on your cabin there may not be enough space to put an actual pack-n-play--we had an inside cabin and there was definitely no space for it.

 

coming up this november, he will just be in his own bed and we will have more space without the crib--I think he is too big now anyway at 34-36 inches tall.

 

pools were not an issue for us, my son enjoys taking/playing in the shower more than the cooler pool water. he did want to go play basketball with the big kids and was especially mad when the access to the mini-golf meant walking through the basketball courts! I know one of the "dance" clubs was empty a lot and completely enclosed(no escape routes for toddlers) and he would have run around in there all day if we let him.

Edited August 5, 2010 by addie19

[DALSAL]

There were was maybe one other child during babysitting when my son was there, and they were with a parent-- so, my son had a blast just playing with the two counselors that were there(it was in the camp carnival younger kids playroom--there is a partition that makes it into one big room for other activities). there is also only a charge if you leave them for babysitting, once you return and if you decide to play together for the remaining time, you are not charged.

 

fyi, a PARENT is the only one allowed to sign a child under 2 in/out of babysitting, probably the same for playtime! (no relatives of any sort) we had a couple excursions planned on our last cruise that went past the required pick-up time while we were in port and my mother could have picked him up, but she was not allowed--carnival rule, though this info is not stated on the website...at least not that I could find before we cruised in january on the valor. I don't believe carnival offers in-cabin babysitting at all.

 

we had very little trouble during dinner, as most of the crew misses their families and loved interacting with our son...everyone was extremely accommodating. our beds were always set up in the evening earlier too--we didn't request it, but again the crew understands the needs of kids!

 

crib was an actual metal crib(just a lot smaller), thank goodness, NOT a pack-n-play(the ones we get at hotels claiming to be cribs look so uncomfortable and must be because my son sleeps almost anywhere except in one of them!). sheets were provided, but it was a regular sized cruise bedsheet so we made do. depending on your cabin there may not be enough space to put an actual pack-n-play--we had an inside cabin and there was definitely no space for it.

 

coming up this november, he will just be in his own bed and we will have more space without the crib--I think he is too big now anyway at 34-36 inches tall.

 

pools were not an issue for us, my son enjoys taking/playing in the shower more than the cooler pool water. he did want to go play basketball with the big kids and was especially mad when the access to the mini-golf meant walking through the basketball courts! I know one of the "dance" clubs was empty a lot and completely enclosed(no escape routes for toddlers) and he would have run around in there all day if we let him.

 

 

 

Are you saying that I can not take my dgd to under two play time? I was hoping to be able to do this some while mom and dad did something else. Could mom or dad go sign her in and then let me stay with her and then they come back to sign her out? Maybe this was like day care, you cant take a baby out unless you are on the list to be able to do so?

Edited August 5, 2010 by DALSAL

[addie19]

Are you saying that I can not take my dgd to under two play time? I was hoping to be able to do this some while mom and dad did something else. Could mom or dad go sign her in and then let me stay with her and then they come back to sign her out? Maybe this was like day care, you cant take a baby out unless you are on the list to be able to do so?

 

that's a great question, but I don't have a definite answer to. :confused:

 

I think for playtime if someone was with them it might not matter, but the child must still be signed in/out. we didn't try that scenario and the one time we saw another child there they were with a parent. Camp Carnival staff was very matter-of-fact that only a parent could sign in/out for drop off and pick up for under-2's(despite the info I received online and in an email prior to cruising). :rolleyes:

 

I didn't think the playroom had a whole lot more to offer for an under-2(other than an actual space to play) versus the toys and such that we had already brought to entertain him. (the days we left him for babysitting he was ecstatic just tossing a balloon around the whole time.) when my mom was just watching my son they played in our cabin with the toys we brought, went to mini-golf, and just roamed around the ship exploring new things and meeting people.:)

[Penguiiin]

that's a great question, but I don't have a definite answer to. :confused:

 

I think for playtime if someone was with them it might not matter, but the child must still be signed in/out. we didn't try that scenario and the one time we saw another child there they were with a parent. Camp Carnival staff was very matter-of-fact that only a parent could sign in/out for drop off and pick up for under-2's(despite the info I received online and in an email prior to cruising). :rolleyes:

 

I didn't think the playroom had a whole lot more to offer for an under-2(other than an actual space to play) versus the toys and such that we had already brought to entertain him. (the days we left him for babysitting he was ecstatic just tossing a balloon around the whole time.) when my mom was just watching my son they played in our cabin with the toys we brought, went to mini-golf, and just roamed around the ship exploring new things and meeting people.:)

 

 

I can let you know soon. we are on Elation Aug 19. And I am technically the GRANDMOTHER. The mother is 18. So I'm kinda the parent ad lidum (ok you attorneys- correct my latin)

[Penguiiin]

We are back from our Elation cruise.

So here is the update on the playtime for under 2's.

Playtime is from 8am to 10am.

If you stay and play with your child there is no charge. Or you can drop off for $6/hr.

When you register you are given a phone so the counselors can contact you. The paperwork that you fill out lists who can pick your child up.

They are allowing parents or grandparents only to drop off and you have to have the phone with you as well. There is a note at the door that states you have to show them the phone when you drop off.

Initially, my experience with under 2 playtime didnt go well.

We registered, received our phone, my daughter listed me and my husband (nana and pop) as the 2 additional people who could pick up the baby.

The next morning. The baby slept with Nana and Pop so Nana got up, got the baby dressed, fed baby, packed bag, and took the baby to the play area with the hopes of a few hours of peaceful pool time.

Well..... they wouldnt let Nana drop off. The first counselor said, only parents can drop off. :mad::mad::mad: Nana is fuming. I told her that it didnt make sense that you could list someone to pick up but only parents could drop off. She offered to try and call my daughter (the official mother) in her stateroom to ask permission but they had already left for breakfast. So I had to take the baby and go find my daughter so she could check the baby in.

Daughter (official mother) found. We go back up to the childcare area. To drop off. And it was now that the Camp Carnival supervisor was present. She apologized for the confusion, stated they had tried to contact me in my room so she could let me know that YES, GRANDPARENTS CAN DROP OFF NOW. It was a policy change that took place on August 1, 2010.

There were no other children in the nursery. We (official mom and the actual caregiver -nana) left the baby for playtime. Now... strike 2.... at 15 months she was content to go in the playroom on the Disney ship and didnt miss us one bit- but the counselors were very engaging and there were other children playing as well. This time..... at 19 months.... she lasted about 15 min. So just enough time for us to drop off, walk back to the room, get the phone (that we said we had when we didnt) and then go back and pick up the baby. I dont think it was anything the Camp Carnival staff did or didnt do, I just think developmentally - separation anxiety was amongst us and without other children to engage her she was scared.

We didnt try again with the nursery.

Our next cruise is on the Disney Dream and we will be traveling with a 10 month old and 22 month old and we will definately be signing up for some nursery time. I had forgotten how fast you have to eat when dining with toddlers. And since I would like to enjoy my meal and not have to entertain a 2 yo at the dinner table, pick up the dropped crayons for the 15 hundredth time, and keep her curious hands from grabbing things..... the kids will play with their shipmates while I enjoy dinner with my family.

(and yes, i know that technically this baby is the responsibility of my daughter - the official mother- but this child came into our family when my daughter was 17 and still a child herself so as a family we are raising these children together)

[cosmolulu1]

I am back from my Carnival cruise and we were allowed to designate 3 people on our registration form to pick up or drop off, including our nanny that we brought. She went with my 20 month old during the family play time which ended up being 8-10AM.

The staff was great, my 3 year old twins loved it. There was plenty for all 3 to do.

[Penguiiin]

Which ship were you on?

 

I'm glad it worked out well for you.

 

I think the time change is a better time for that age group. The other times were nap times for most kids.

 

I think the drop off/pick up process would have been better for us initially if it werent for the confusion of the staff with the recent policy change.

[cosmolulu1]

I was on the Carnival Glory, mostly sea days and it was a 5 day cruise. There was also one afternoon that was 3-5 bear cuddly that you could go to with under 2's and there was a great kick off party the first night w/funship Freddy for all ages in the disco (7PM so depending on when bedtime is, my twins loved it!).

I wanted to note that I think it varies from ship to ship. During the 8-10AM family time for under 2's, there were a few younger babies that they were babysitting which made no sense to me -- so again, I think you have to get on the ship and actually see what the reality is...it can definitely vary.

Yes, the 8-10AM time was great! Playtime, then walk around the ship a lot (I wanted to get him tired!), then lunch then nap.

[Charity0000]

Does anyone know if the NCL Epic has "mommy & me" playtime or anything at all for under 2's? Toy lending program?

 

Thanks!

[Julienatul]

We are back from our Elation cruise.

 

So here is the update on the playtime for under 2's.

 

Playtime is from 8am to 10am.

 

If you stay and play with your child there is no charge. Or you can drop off for $6/hr.

 

When you register you are given a phone so the counselors can contact you. The paperwork that you fill out lists who can pick your child up.

 

They are allowing parents or grandparents only to drop off and you have to have the phone with you as well. There is a note at the door that states you have to show them the phone when you drop off.

 

Initially, my experience with under 2 playtime didnt go well.

 

We registered, received our phone, my daughter listed me and my husband (nana and pop) as the 2 additional people who could pick up the baby.

 

The next morning. The baby slept with Nana and Pop so Nana got up, got the baby dressed, fed baby, packed bag, and took the baby to the play area with the hopes of a few hours of peaceful pool time.

 

Well..... they wouldnt let Nana drop off. The first counselor said, only parents can drop off. :mad::mad::mad: Nana is fuming. I told her that it didnt make sense that you could list someone to pick up but only parents could drop off. She offered to try and call my daughter (the official mother) in her stateroom to ask permission but they had already left for breakfast. So I had to take the baby and go find my daughter so she could check the baby in.

 

Daughter (official mother) found. We go back up to the childcare area. To drop off. And it was now that the Camp Carnival supervisor was present. She apologized for the confusion, stated they had tried to contact me in my room so she could let me know that YES, GRANDPARENTS CAN DROP OFF NOW. It was a policy change that took place on August 1, 2010.

 

There were no other children in the nursery. We (official mom and the actual caregiver -nana) left the baby for playtime. Now... strike 2.... at 15 months she was content to go in the playroom on the Disney ship and didnt miss us one bit- but the counselors were very engaging and there were other children playing as well. This time..... at 19 months.... she lasted about 15 min. So just enough time for us to drop off, walk back to the room, get the phone (that we said we had when we didnt) and then go back and pick up the baby. I dont think it was anything the Camp Carnival staff did or didnt do, I just think developmentally - separation anxiety was amongst us and without other children to engage her she was scared.

 

We didnt try again with the nursery.

 

Our next cruise is on the Disney Dream and we will be traveling with a 10 month old and 22 month old and we will definately be signing up for some nursery time. I had forgotten how fast you have to eat when dining with toddlers. And since I would like to enjoy my meal and not have to entertain a 2 yo at the dinner table, pick up the dropped crayons for the 15 hundredth time, and keep her curious hands from grabbing things..... the kids will play with their shipmates while I enjoy dinner with my family.

 

(and yes, i know that technically this baby is the responsibility of my daughter - the official mother- but this child came into our family when my daughter was 17 and still a child herself so as a family we are raising these children together)

 

 

Just so you know, Disney will page you too. Both times on the Wonder we dropped off DS (17mo) at Flounders we were paged that he was crying, separation anxiety too. There was no enjoyable adult meals for us, but we are used to cruising with kids and pretty flexible so we just went with the flow

[Penguiiin]

I am aware that Disney will page for an unconsolable child as well. And I would want them too. I dont want to just leave the baby in the nursery crying.

 

My point and what I observed is that the Disney staff told us that they would try for 10 for 15 min to comfort a crying child and then page the parent.

 

The Carnival staff may have tried to divert her attention so she could/would play but it just didnt seem like they gave it much of an effort from the time that she was dropped off to the time that the phone call was received.

 

I'm not a meany...... I dont want to ditch the kid..... so please dont misunderstand.

I could just tell a difference with the way the staff interacted with the children. But the biggest difference this time as was pointed out..... the baby was older and more aware that she was being left. Will it always work? Probably not.... because kids are unpredictable and the innerworkings of their tiny little brains will never cease to amaze. ;)

[Julienatul]

I agree with you, supposidly Carnival will attempt to engage them for 10-15min before calling parents and Disney too. To be honest, I felt both Disney and Carnival put in about equal effort, which wasn't much on either line in my opinion. I was disappointed with Disney because I had heard they were so much more caring and engaged. I didnt find that to be the way it was. I watched through the looking glass and instead of engaging him with toys or comforting him, they just brought him in and stuck him in front of a tv with some blocks, crying. Twice. It was the same counselor both times, a male. My son was 17 mo so of course he is going to cry when I drop him off in an unfamiliar place. I just expected a bit more since it was Disney. I ended up cancelling the rest of the reservations for him for the week. I too wouldnt want to leave him crying or in an uncaring place. I just had more hopes they would at least try something..songs, games, activities etc. No toddler is going to become comfortable in a strange place without a little effort. Maybe we just had an off counselor and an off week, hopefully your experience is better.

[mamato5girls]

I just cruised with my 15 month old daughter on Mariner of the Seas and she had FUN! She loves water and constantly was in the baby area with her swim diaper on. No other kids were in that area which is good because it's meant for those still in diapers so I was not concerned about her being pushed about by other kids.

 

On RCCL, I was given a pack n play and they wrapped the "mattress" with a sheet. If you don't like that, just bring your pack n play cover to use and a blanket. I had my room attendant take out the coffee table, and there was more room to walk around. :)

 

Riana would dance to the music on the promenade floor when the band would play. She really wore herself out walking, running and just having fun. The only time I had problems with her was at dinner time. Two hours for a meal is not for little kids. What we did was go sit down, order our appetizers, one of us would walk out for about 15 minutes as that's how long it took to get our appetizers. We would come back in, eat our appetizers and then walk back out for another 15 minutes and then our main meal would be waiting. When dessert arrived, Riana would want out and I'd just put her on my lap and finish up. It all worked out but it took 3 days to figure this out. :/

 

Hope this helps if you're leaning towards RCCL. I am taking my 3 girls on the Hawaii cruise and I know they'll have fun because of the youth clubs designed for each age group. I had so much fun with a 15 month old, imagine how much more fun I'll have with my 3 girls with me. :D It was so worth it.

[Penguiiin]

Maybe you are right. Maybe it was just on "off night" for our daycare counselors.

 

I try to 100% in my job too but I know there are some days, I'm just not feeling the love.

 

 

 

 

I like the order and step out strategy to the meal time. I will have to keep that in mind. She can sit for a little while and is happy but there comes a point where it is torture for everybody.

[cosmolulu1]

In our experience w/Camp Carnival, in the 2-5yo group, they would call right away with any crying. They had 37 kids at once with 2 counselors at one point, 4 in a separate area crying all waiting to be picked up. Seemed like only the ones that wanted to be there remained, they simply didn't have the staff to try to help work it out. It was fine, I picked up my son right away if he wanted it. He cried everytime he saw someone else cry, a chain reaction!

[beachchick]

I just cruised with my 15 month old daughter on Mariner of the Seas and she had FUN! She loves water and constantly was in the baby area with her swim diaper on. No other kids were in that area which is good because it's meant for those still in diapers so I was not concerned about her being pushed about by other kids.

 

On RCCL, I was given a pack n play and they wrapped the "mattress" with a sheet. If you don't like that, just bring your pack n play cover to use and a blanket. I had my room attendant take out the coffee table, and there was more room to walk around. :)

 

Riana would dance to the music on the promenade floor when the band would play. She really wore herself out walking, running and just having fun. The only time I had problems with her was at dinner time. Two hours for a meal is not for little kids. What we did was go sit down, order our appetizers, one of us would walk out for about 15 minutes as that's how long it took to get our appetizers. We would come back in, eat our appetizers and then walk back out for another 15 minutes and then our main meal would be waiting. When dessert arrived, Riana would want out and I'd just put her on my lap and finish up. It all worked out but it took 3 days to figure this out. :/

 

Hope this helps if you're leaning towards RCCL. I am taking my 3 girls on the Hawaii cruise and I know they'll have fun because of the youth clubs designed for each age group. I had so much fun with a 15 month old, imagine how much more fun I'll have with my 3 girls with me. :D It was so worth it.

 

When did they retrofit Mariner with the special equipment for filtration? In the past and according to RCI's own website, there are no pool facilties for children in swim diapers on Mariner. Mind you, I'm not saying it doesn't happen or that the crew enforce the rules, but it is rather a big deal. There are usually signs and reminders. The CDC and health department have regulations in place about this for good reasons. Ship pools, even kids pools, are not like large, heavily treated pools on land. If there is contamination, the pool must be drained, cleaned/scrubbed, and refilled, which can take hours up to a whole day. The risk is that swim diapers can contain solids, but they cannot contain bacteria, viruses, etc. That's one way that illness can spread.

 

I'm sorry to sound like such a wet blanket, but I really would like to know how you determined that the area was "meant for those still in diapers" when RCI says that there is no pool or water play area on Mariner for those still in diapers (swim or otherwise). Of course I am not saying you are a bad person if it's not allowed, but you didn't know that. But I'd hate for other parents to plan based on that if, in fact, the facilities on Mariner have not been retrofit.

 

Other than that, I'm so happy to hear you had a wonderful time and that you're planning another one with your whole family. Delightful. I'm sure you'll have an incredible time.

 

beachchick

Edited September 3, 2010 by beachchick

[Julienatul]

In our experience w/Camp Carnival, in the 2-5yo group, they would call right away with any crying. They had 37 kids at once with 2 counselors at one point, 4 in a separate area crying all waiting to be picked up. Seemed like only the ones that wanted to be there remained, they simply didn't have the staff to try to help work it out. It was fine, I picked up my son right away if he wanted it. He cried everytime he saw someone else cry, a chain reaction!

 

yup same experience with DD when she was younger. I tell people its more of an activity program versus babysitting and if they want to be there they can. Now I cant get DD out but she refused to go from age 2 to almost 4.

[Penguiiin]

In our instance.... our baby was the only baby in the room with 2 counselors.

[indigo38x]

Cruisinmama - Do they charge the $6 per hour only if you leave your child, or if you stay w/ you child during "Family Play Time" do you still need to pay $ 6 per hour?

 

Thanks for the clarification! :)

 

- Marsha

 

Thanks for the shout out...LOL :D

 

Here is the info for the Under 2's, there is actually some babysitting times available where mommy doesn't have to be there.

 

Hours on Sea Days

 

"Family Play Time" is scheduled from 12:00pm to 2:00pm (or 1:00pm to 3:00pm).

 

Only parents and their Under-2 child are permitted in the playroom to use the facilities that we have to offer in Camp Carnival. Parents have the option of leaving their child in the care of the Youth Counselors.

 

Note: There is a $6.00 per hour charge for this service (see “Babysitting”).

 

Hours on Port Days

 

Care for children under-2 is considered "Babysitting". Note: There is a $6.00 per hour charge for this service (see "Babysitting").

 

*On port day mornings, care for children under-2 begins from port arrival until 12:00 noon (or until 5:00pm for ships arriving in port after noon time).

 

Evenings

 

Babysitting is provided for children under-2, nightly, from 10:00pm to 3:00am. Note: There is a $6.00 per hour charge for this service (see "Babysitting").

 

*Babysitting: From 10:00pm-3:00am each evening of the cruise.

[ncurcio]

So this thread is incredibly old, but it seems to answer a lot of the questions I am wondering about for my cruise on the Breeze with my 9 month old. Can anyone give any of their experiences on a more recent cruise?

 

 

 

Thanks

[Mabks0412]

This thread does answer a lot of questions. I am also curious to know about recent cruises with little ones. I'm sure the price has probably gone up from $6.00 by now.