Cruising with an 18 month old. Yea or Nay?

[mattp420]

Am I insane? We tried for 15 years to have this little angel of ours my wife and I aren't sure we can handle a week without her but we REALLY need a vacation.

 

Guess we want to know if it is even relaxing to take an 18 month old baby on a cruise? She's a really chilled out, happy baby for the most part - active, curious and good with people in general.

 

I don't think she's old enough for the Carnival Club so we understand it's going to be a different kind of cruise..no nightlife, shows, etc. That's totally cool with us - everything is different now! It just seems like a long time to be without her.

 

lol...I posted this almost two years ago. still trying to reschedule!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1767137

[kona_wahine]

Our kids are grown, and now we have grandkids. But when they were young We took a couple trips and left the kids with their grandparents. It was good for us and probably good for them. Only you can say if you could be away from her for a week. Me, I say go for it!!

[JLee1973]

For me it would no, but I also didn't try to have children fire treats they just came along. My kids are fire the most part grown. I know how your feel though you need a break but don't want to be away from then. Just follow your heart is the best I can say.

 

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[TPFKAH]

We tried leaving our then 2 year old home on one cruise. We were miserable. Every turn we made, we just missed her dearly. We never left her home again.

 

She will not remember, but the memories you have having her there with you will last a lifetime.

[timhoke]

You child will be with you for years to come. Now that she is past the waking up in the middle of the night, let her spend the week with Grandma & Grandpa. They will love it, you guys can have a chance to relax & remember exactly why you wanted that little angel in the first place.

Enjoy your cruise

[A2Mich]

She will not remember, but the memories you have having her there with you will last a lifetime.

 

I would also go with ^^^

 

We took our son on his first cruise when he was 10 months old, and he was great the whole trip. We all had a good time. Our next cruise in April, our son will be 10, our oldest daughter 8, and our youngest (and last) will be about 21 months old. Granted the littlest ones won't remember (my son claims he remembers bits and pieces), but the family memories you will make are priceless. I think everyone needs a vacation at some point, and if you're waiting for the perfect time, you will be waiting an extremely long time. Just go and have the best time you can. I wouldn't dream of pawning off the little one with grandma for a week - we'd also miss her way too much. Let your child's attitude be your guide. Since your little one is good natured, you may have an absolute blast. For kids that are not so angelic, waiting may be a better option.

 

Just be sure to bring extra strong sunscreen, as the Caribbean sun can be brutal, and can be very severe for sensitive skin, such as babies have. Bring the strongest sunscreen you can, and be sure to bring any and all meds you may think you could ever need, as well as favorite toys, stuffed animals. The times when the little one is napping is a great time for mom and dad to nap too. The greatest thing about a cruise is that you can pack your day full of activities, or keep it as low key as you want to. I would take the opportunities to unwind and use them to your advantage. The only real downside is that the little one will not be able to go in the pools, so if you enjoy the pools/hot tubs, etc., you will have to enjoy by yourself in shifts.

 

One other thing to consider is that Carnival may still offer in-cabin or group babysitting on a cash basis, as some of the crew would volunteer themselves for babysitting, and from what I can remember, it was cash only paid to the crewmember directly, though that may have all changed. That might be a good option to consider if you want to enjoy a dinner alone, or attend a show in the evening.

[092306]

We took our son as a baby and toddler and though they were different cruises than those with just the two of us, we enjoyed them. I know we would not have relaxed and been miserable without him so leaving him behind wasn't an option. Sounds to me like you are leaning toward a family cruise and I would say go for it.

[bar1068]

Am I insane? We tried for 15 years to have this little angel of ours my wife and I aren't sure we can handle a week without her but we REALLY need a vacation.

 

Guess we want to know if it is even relaxing to take an 18 month old baby on a cruise? She's a really chilled out, happy baby for the most part - active, curious and good with people in general.

 

I don't think she's old enough for the Carnival Club so we understand it's going to be a different kind of cruise..no nightlife, shows, etc. That's totally cool with us - everything is different now! It just seems like a long time to be without her.

 

lol...I posted this almost two years ago. still trying to reschedule!!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1767137

 

Have you seen this thread over on the Family Cruises forum? Could be some useful info in here to help you decide....good luck!! Our first extended family cruise was a couple years ago with our 9 month and 3 yr old grand daughters...we ALL had a blast...though admittedly was a little easier since we were a group of about 22....You will make the best decision for your family.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2082379

[MommaBear55]

We traveled a lot with our children when they were young. I would actually choose a land based vacation over a cruise with a young child. My children loved the water and they spent endless hours playing in the pool,and the ocean. It would have been hard for them to have water so close and not have gone it. (Unless of course you find a cruise where there are the special pools for the diaper set.) Cruises do have the advantage that everything is right there on the ship.

 

I would not have dreamed of going away without my kids. They were (and are) too much fun. They will actually go on about 1/2 our trips this year- (and at 30, 32 and 34, we've added two bonus kids with our kids in law) Key West, skiing at Mammoth, a week in Cancun, diving in Bonaire where we will take turns with our first grandchild and then a week at Disney. Not all the kids can get those weeks off, but at least one will come on each trip and all will make two of the trips. DH and I will have two cruises and a trip to Napa by ourselves as well as a friend trip to ski in Sun Valley and another friend trip to Kauai. We are very lucky people.

Edited September 16, 2014 by MommaBear55

[Kd_chocolate]

You will definitely have to use your gut instinct on this one and a good way that I got around it was to cruise with other family members if possible. I guess your family definitely has to be fun cruisers which mine are. When my son was 1.5 I brought him and we had a good time. I brought my ergobaby to carry him when on ports...it works wonders especially when he fell asleep. And when I wanted to go out with my sisters at night, that was perfect time for grandparents time. He chilled with me outside at the pools, we took many walks, etc. I also agree with taking all meds you may need along with thermometer just in case and some favorite (and/or new) toys. Either way...enjoy!

[GradUT]

To make a long story short, we did not have the option of leaving our children with relatives when they were small, so if we took a vacation, the kids came with us. And, like you, I don't think I would have wanted it any other way.

 

However, I agree with MommaBear that a land-based vacation would probably be a lot easier and more enjoyable for everyone (both parent and child) than a cruise. A beach vacation where we stayed in a condo always worked particularly well for us when our kids were the age of yours.

[Mutumbojimbo]

I'd say that if you think you can adjust your cruise expectations, go for it. If you're going to be that person who is determined to finish their meal despite their crying child or try to hold your child with one hand and play slots with the other, rethink.

Honestly, I think most of us love well behaved children, get frustrated with oblivious parents, and are more tolerant of other children's behavior than we are of our own. The majority of cruisers will be fine with your toddler.I know that on our 2 child-free cruises my wife would have baby sat for a while by day three, as she was missing our boys so much.You will probably spark a lifetime interest in cruising! Have fun.

[lazyart]

Am I insane? We tried for 15 years to have this little angel of ours my wife and I aren't sure we can handle a week without her but we REALLY need a vacation.

 

Just as long as you're not next door to me....

 

We live here amongst the theme parks of Central Florida, and we always tell people not to bother taking them that young because they'll never remember. And yes, I did take little ones to the park but pushing that stroller around all day is a burden.

 

I absolutely love children, can't wait to have grandkids... but they'll be 5 or 6 before I'd do something like this.

[bruadhin]

We took our son along at 10 months and had a great time with him.

 

As you already realize, your daughter's schedule will dictate your schedule. I'll go on my fourth cruise next year, and I still have never seen a show in the main theater. Also, at 18 months, nap time is going to be important. Fortunately our son could nap through anything, we had taught him not to be a light sleeper so he'd snooze on a beach, in a van, where ever.

 

Everyone has their idea of what a vacation is. Mine does not involve leaving my son at home with family or with a babysitter back in the room/cabin while we go do something else.

 

How your daughter behaves in public now is basically how she will behave on the ship. My son soaked up all the attention from the crew and other passengers. He loved it and he never was a complainer about bed time. So the people next to us never would have known he was there unless they saw him entering or leaving the cabin. If she is well behaved at restaurants, on long outings, etc. then she will do just fine on the ship. If she is the child that turns crackers into dust and whose lungs have no end... well tip your wait staff extra and buy a round for the cabins next to you.

[pusywillow]

You child will be with you for years to come. Now that she is past the waking up in the middle of the night, let her spend the week with Grandma & Grandpa. They will love it, you guys can have a chance to relax & remember exactly why you wanted that little angel in the first place.

Enjoy your cruise

 

I agree. Use the time to strenghten your marriage. Who knows maybe you'll make another brother or sister for your precious baby.

 

Sue

[SadieN]

Check out the Family Board for more info about traveling with a toddler.

 

Just some things to consider --

Only potty trained kids are allowed in the pools and water parks. Swim diapers are also not allowed.

 

Strollers need to be stored in your cabin. A smaller stroller is easier than a larger one.

[serene56]

we took an 18 month old on her first cruise== sailed the Liberty/.

She had a ball.

 

Its a nice time to teach her about stuff too. Grand daughter is now 8 and she knows about fine dining and how to conduct herself today.

 

Your cruise will revolve around her. Nap times are essential so get a balcony so you and honey can escape somewhere.

 

know that deck 3 will have an outside deck where she can just run her energy off. hardly anyone is out there-- and she isnt going anywhere overboard.

[amyh13]

Wait 6 months and cruise with her. Once they can go to the camp, it makes the perfect family vacation. Even if it is just little breaks here and there. Baby gets playtime, mom and dad can go on a date. We took an extended family cruise when DS was 2. Awesome vacation. DS will be 9 and DD 5 on our next cruise.

 

 

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[JinxyB]

Having cruised with my son at 9, 12, and 15 months old, I am going to vote no on taking an 18 month-old. 9 and 12 months was easy, especially since he wasn't walking. 15-months was a tough age to cruise-my son was always on the go and did not like being in his stroller. They are non-verbal and get frustrated communicating their needs. After that cruise, I said never again until he is old enough for the kids club! Now that he is 3.5, potty trained, and can clearly communicate his needs, it is so much better!! I'm not advocating dumping your child in the kids club all day, but it is a nice option to get a few adult hours during the day/night.

 

Carnival does not have in-room babysitting. They do have 2 hours during sea days and 4 hours during port days you can drop off under-2's for babysitting-think it is $6.75/hour.

[cb at sea]

An 18 mo.old is NOT relaxing....there is nothing wrong with being alone as adults. If you have a reliable babysitter...use them!

 

But, if you want a "family" vacation, take your child...this is your life for the next 20 years or so (no...they aren't gone at 18!!!)

[PlanningToCruise]

I think a lot of it depends on the child, you know your child best. My fear at such a young age is if they can tell you how they're feeling. Maybe they're feeling 'sea sick' but can't 'tell you', etc. just being prepared & knowing your child, you can still have fun & the best part is making memories

[Mom2sml]

I say take your child with you. Sure, kids are a lot of work but your mindset is different while on vacation.

 

Our first cruise included our 4 year old and 2 year old and we all had a great time. My younger daughter didn't like Camp Carnival and was with us all the time. We splurged on a suite so we would have the extra room and a balcony. We took turns during nap time and bedtime so we could enjoy places like the casino. The kids loved spending time on the balcony. Sure, the kids don't remember much of it but we do and they still enjoy looking at the pictures of the trip.

[Tapi]

Our son started cruising at 12 months. He's now 4 years old and has now completed 5 cruises on 3 different cruise lines, including a cruise to Alaska. Or daughter was 15 months old on that Alaska cruise. Not once do we regret taking our kids cruising at such an early age.

 

However, we have learned how important the kids program is. Although we spend 90% of our time together when we cruise, it's nice to let the kids be kids for an hour or two every day, and go have some kid fun while Mom and Dad take a little break and have some adult fun. Whether it's going for a nice adults only dinner, attend a show, or just stroll around the ship quietly, these breaks without the kids are a welcome change of pace.

 

Since your child is only 18 months old, I would recommend selecting a cruise line that does provide activities for that age group. Royal Caribbean offers Royal Babies and Tots. Disney also has a program for kids as young as 6 months of age. If you want to stick win Carnival, then it may be wise to wait until your child turns 2.

 

Do cherish these memories. As others have said, your child may be too young to remember, but you will.

 

 

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Edited September 17, 2014 by Tapi

[mzloolue]

Truthfully I would worry about a baby getting sick and not having access to pediatrician.

 

We went on vacation with our daughter when she was 18 months old and she got sick.

It was not fun. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease.

Fever, sore throat, did not want to eat.

But we were able to take her to the pediatrician.

Mostly we sat in a hotel room trying to keep her amused and worrying.

She was too sick to make the drive home.

DH wanted to fly me and the baby home, but pediatrician said that he could not recommend it.

 

If that had happened on a ship with no pediatrician available for days.:eek:

[Drazil65]

Our son has always gone everywhere with us, cant imagine enjoying a trip with him (he is 11 now). We did cruising when he was about 16 months old (a 4 day to see how it went), had a great time but we also did a land for a week a few months later. By far the land (Cancun) vaca was easier.

 

We had an easier time with his schedule and naps etc., very easy to put him down and go out on balcony to read or enjoy sun while he napped. They had a playground on premises for the younger age grp plus the beach and several pools (including a pool for younger ones). It was a large resort so we could easily use a stroller when we needed/wanted to without much effort or trouble.

 

We took a another land vaca right before he turned 3 at the same resort then cruised with him again within the next yr. Since then we have switched off and on between cruising (which he loves of course) and land resorts (with a couple of trips to Europe thrown in there as he has gotten older).

 

Traveling teaches kids about other cultures, manners, eating out manners, how to act in public and good old fashion family time together (without looking down at some device 24/7). It's a good thing!

Edited September 17, 2014 by Drazil65