Best Laid Plans

[topsey130]

So.... As my daughters husband is being deployed overseas next year for a few months, we decide to book a cruise for all of us mid way through to help break up the time he is away for her. Cruise (Dream - sailing from Palma) is all booked me, DH in one cabin Daughter and her 2year old in the other, local airport and the free AI included at what we think is a very good price....

 

Now, my Daughter has had a few problems whilst running (avid sports woman) and went to the Doc's to see why a varicose type vein is hurting so much, much to her shock she is pregnant :eek:

 

After some discussion we have decided to go ahead, but would like some advice and information if anyone can help.

 

I have phoned up to query the booking but have been told not to add on until baby is born for DOB etc - quite sensible - but will we need a room that sleeps 3 rather than a standard twin? so should i book cabins now? will a travel cot be provided or will we have to take our own? Does any one know if there are any adjoining rooms???

 

Also i understand there is a supermarket near to the Harbour in Palma , is this a 'fully stocked' one so we can by various baby supplies rather than take them in the luggage.

 

 

Think DH and I will be needing another holiday after this one :)

[happy v]

Wow, but at least it's a nice suprise.

I imagine the supermarket will have everything you need, it's quite large.

Can't help with your other question except I would book the room for three just incase they sell out.

[geomagot]

Hi There

 

I think I can speak for everyone on this forum that all our hearts are with you and your daughter during your SIL's deployment, I fully understand how this time seems to stand still for an eternity....your DD will be so unbelievably well supported by his unit (sending out those little boxes of harribo every week is the most reassuring ritual) DS has just returned recently and my heart is just about bursting with pride

 

Now onto some practicals....you will need to be in contact with Thomson’s on this....its important that you get all the right answers from them (sometimes conflicting information from Thomson’s is not uncommon and well documented on this forum)

 

some ships do carry cots but, TBO I would not want to put an infant in one of them, some are a rather old, dusty and rickety, some ships don’t have them at all, much better that you bring your own travel cot (the mattress will be clean) you will probably need to book a cabin that has space for the cot and all the accompanying baby paraphernalia buggies/changing mats/nappies etc, you will also need some sort of steriliser for your babys spoons/cups/bottles/bibs etc and a baby bath/washing up bowl and towels (unless there is a bath in the cabin)....this is important because all manner of unwanted bugs and unmentionables lurk on cruise ships from athletes foot/yeasts/exotic bacteria’s to the dreaded norovirus or worse! plus there will be mosquitoes/roaches etc (you really do not want to experience the festival of poo that we once did!):o

 

babys do get a small luggage allowance but that will include the cot/buggy if you go overweight they will still charge you

 

3 berth cabins have a drop down bunk that is IMO not at all suitable for any child under 5 years as there is usually only a small flimsy side rail and really too flimsy/small for an adult

 

There are all manner of hazards on a ship; stairwells/heavy doors/dirty decks/cockroaches/maybe rats? (urrghh, sorry to all folks who are reading this)

 

also people in nearby cabins/tables in the restaurant/seats on the plane, may ask to be moved depending on your child’s sleeping habits

 

There is no creche or babysitting service and the kids club is really aimed at children aged 3+

 

we once travelled abroad with our kids when they were tots.....but we only ever did it the once! we never attempted it again until they were all over 10, flying/timezone changes/different water from home etc can leave even the most regular adult traveller pretty weary if not a little grumpy and this effect will be amplified in children....trust me it was no holiday! we felt that we were only there because we wanted to be there, that it was us who wanted to visit all those museums/restaurants/shows/bars, the tots didn’t want to be there at all and they were to young to cope with all the changes to their usual routine....we felt a little selfish

 

thatsaid....we all deserve a holiday kids or no kids, a land based holiday would be more suitable imo at least until they are a little older and can enjoy it for themselves

 

I apologise if this is not sounding very reassuring.......I really am just trying to be helpful....of course it may all be a breeze for you, you may well cope a lot better than we did

 

I really do wish you well I hope you all have the most fabulous time

[Malch_uk]

Geomagot,

 

Can you be more specific about which cruise lines and which particular vessels you have experienced these horrors on so we can all avoid them.

 

:confused:

 

.

[geomagot]

Apologies if my post sounded a little alarming! May I just stress that stairwells, open rails, heavy doors, sharp metal skirting, greasy decks, dead insects, only present a hazard to people who crawl about on their hands and knees most of the time and have small heads that can fit through the rails

 

Norovirus, bugs, suspect mattresses, bacteria's & viruses in the aircon.....did you want me to list them all?.........could be in for a long stint........ cant be avoided on ANY cruise ship, I realise this all sounds a bit gruesome, but, most healthy adults have a well evolved immune system and a bottle of alcohol gel that can cope with it all.....so, no need to panic!

[davecttr]

How old will the baby be when you cruise?

 

Most cruise lines have a policy of 6 months minimum age because as a ships doctor said. the little ones can 'go off' very fast and we are not specialists with babies.

 

Best to check with Thomson

[WeeCountyMan]

Topsey -

 

Ref. Geomagot's advice.

 

With respect, I would not wish to take a 2 year old on a cruise, let alone an infant.

 

Perhaps, in the circumstances, Thomsons would allow you to cancel and offer an alternative hotel based holiday where there are appropriate facilities.

 

Apologies for sounding negative, because it's not what you'll want to hear.

[geomagot]

Yep, WCM I am pleased you said this, and I agree with you.....It is a difficult one, I am also racking my brains trying to find some positive's.....I'm afraid I really cant think of any? Maybe others can?

 

I have seen families with infants/toddlers on cruise ships who appeared to be coping incredibly well and having a good time, and (for me) it really ads something when there are adorable little ones around, but, with the exception of Disney, cruise ships really are fully geared to their adult clientele, there are not any facilities for very young children at all! and lots of safety/health issues to consider,

 

lots of cruises have an emphasis on the history/culture (especially in the Med) and the action doesn’t really get going until later on in the evening (I really resented this when mine were small because it meant that I couldn’t attend or even have a quiet drink)....I am sure, given the circumstances, that Thomson’s would consider helping you to change your plans to something else, maybe land based, with creche/safe soft play areas/paddling pools/babysitting/listening services, that could work more enjoyable for all of you

[Julessmiles]

So.... As my daughters husband is being deployed overseas next year for a few months, we decide to book a cruise for all of us mid way through to help break up the time he is away for her. Cruise (Dream - sailing from Palma) is all booked me, DH in one cabin Daughter and her 2year old in the other, local airport and the free AI included at what we think is a very good price....

 

Now, my Daughter has had a few problems whilst running (avid sports woman) and went to the Doc's to see why a varicose type vein is hurting so much, much to her shock she is pregnant :eek:

 

After some discussion we have decided to go ahead, but would like some advice and information if anyone can help.

 

I have phoned up to query the booking but have been told not to add on until baby is born for DOB etc - quite sensible - but will we need a room that sleeps 3 rather than a standard twin? so should i book cabins now? will a travel cot be provided or will we have to take our own? Does any one know if there are any adjoining rooms???

 

Also i understand there is a supermarket near to the Harbour in Palma , is this a 'fully stocked' one so we can by various baby supplies rather than take them in the luggage.

 

 

Think DH and I will be needing another holiday after this one :)

 

Congratualtions on your unexpected news!

 

It says in the brochure " we don't charge for cots - but you'll need to book a cabin with enough floor space" How old will the baby be? I couldn't see anything about minimum age of the baby in the brochure. You might have to ask about sterilising bottles, food containers & food (if baby is weaned) etc - supposing babe will be bottlefed; don't know how you go about doing that on a ship although I am sure the staff would be helpful - they always are.

 

I do agree with the others, it's all personal choice but I wouldn't want to take a baby onboard or abroad - we stuck to UK holidays until our youngest reached 5; I can't imagine having to pack a suitcase for all you would need for a toddler and a baby!

[topsey130]

Thanks All

 

Baby no 2 will just be six months, not to concerned about other logistics just what facilities are available and what we need to take to keep the luggage down.

 

The main reason we have gone for a cruise is that we and our DD's type of holidays do not tend to be based in one place or are very active - so this seems to be an ideal compromise different place each day with out the unpacking - and facilities on board to relax when required, the ship is our floating hotel :) Done a package hotel holiday this year first for ages, and hated it DD is of the same vein so not an option.

 

No 1 Grandson first Holiday was at 4 months, skiing, self organised and with 3 dogs in tow :D - that's about as much resort based as we all get. to be repeated this year at 16 months (again with all our collective dogs!!)

 

On our recent cruise i took the opportunity of speaking to families who had small children (under two) to see how they found it all said it worked out fine and took with us a few tips to make it easier. Obviously no 2 was not expected so did not ask questions of those who had younger children.

 

We know we will have to be super organised to enjoy this, hence getting as much info beforehand and generally plan to have a couple of hours ashore each day then back for a little play time (sports deck for the two year old) and afternoon naps, early dinners and DD will be having early nights. I know every one goes on cruises for different reasons and ours is the itinerary and convenience of not having to pack / unpack.

 

Davecttr - thanks will email cust service and double check on ages etc

 

geomagot - thanks for your kind words regarding SIL - my DH has only recently resigned from the Military so DD and I are used to the separations but it never gets easier. My thoughts are with your DS. Due to our life styles our children are used to traveling at the drop of a hat and to some very odd places too (you get the call - have some leave can you and the kiddies get out here:rolleyes:) and DD is now repeating that, no 1 grandson is very well traveled so far. So hopefully with the right organisation the cruise should be a breezee lol:D:eek:

 

BTW the horror's you are describing sound like some military accommodation we have had:D

[topsey130]

Thanks All

 

Baby no 2 will just be six months, not to concerned about other logistics just what facilities are available and what we need to take to keep the luggage down.

 

The main reason we have gone for a cruise is that we and our DD's type of holidays do not tend to be based in one place or are very active - so this seems to be an ideal compromise different place each day with out the unpacking - and facilities on board to relax when required, the ship is our floating hotel :) Done a package hotel holiday this year first for ages, and hated it DD is of the same vein so not an option.

 

No 1 Grandson first Holiday was at 4 months, skiing, self organised and with 3 dogs in tow :D - that's about as much resort based as we all get. to be repeated this year at 16 months (again with all our collective dogs!!)

 

On our recent cruise i took the opportunity of speaking to families who had small children (under two) to see how they found it all said it worked out fine and took with us a few tips to make it easier. Obviously no 2 was not expected so did not ask questions of those who had younger children.

 

We know we will have to be super organised to enjoy this, hence getting as much info beforehand and generally plan to have a couple of hours ashore each day then back for a little play time (sports deck for the two year old) and afternoon naps, early dinners and DD will be having early nights. I know every one goes on cruises for different reasons and ours is the itinerary and convenience of not having to pack / unpack.

 

Davecttr - thanks will email cust service and double check on ages etc

 

Julesmiles - thanks for the info - i had a look online but could not find anything either that was ship specific

 

geomagot - thanks for your kind words regarding SIL - my DH has only recently resigned from the Military so DD and I are used to the separations but it never gets easier. My thoughts are with your DS. Due to our life styles our children are used to traveling at the drop of a hat and to some very odd places too (you get the call - have some leave can you and the kiddies get out here:rolleyes:) and DD is now repeating that, no 1 grandson is very well traveled so far. So hopefully with the right organisation the cruise should be a breezee lol:D:eek:

 

BTW the horror's you are describing sound like some military accommodation we have had:D

[geomagot]

 

BTW the horror's you are describing sound like some military accommodation we have had:D

 

OMG! dont get me onto this one....I have only one word to say....one word alone.....and that word is.......Bielefeld!!:eek:....I say no more!!:D

[Kiki cat]

When we were on the Dream there were lots of people with babies and they seemed to cope well!

 

I think any holiday with young children - cruise, hotel, apartment - is not that relaxing for parents as you need eyes in the back of your head all the time - as most parents have!

 

I haven't been to any hotel that takes under 2s and I probably wouldn't expect it anyway. So probably doesn't matter about children's clubs.

 

At least you will all get a break from cooking and I hope you all have a great time!