Traveling with an infant

[MermaidM0mma]

Hi everyone. We just booked our cruise leaving October 6th thru Carnival's Horizon. We are soooo excited.

 

I just need some advice or even recommendations as far as excursions and what to do with a baby. He turns 1 three days before we board.

 

 

Our itinerary includes: Grand Turk, San Juan, St Kitts and St Marteen.

 

Thanks in advance!

[Clarea]

You may also want to check out the Family Crusing forum: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

[cb at sea]

Get a guidebook on your ports....find out all about where you're going...all the points of interests and available activities will be in the book! Then, when you decide WHAT you want to do ashore....just ask! Others will have suggestions on HOW to do it!

[capriccio]

Our daughter, son-in-law and 11 1/2 month old granddaughter sailed on the Independence of the Seas on a 5 day cruise two years ago. For them the cruise was strictly family time where they could enjoy each others company following a high risk pregnancy, post pregnancy complications, the baby spending a couple of days in the NICU then having nursing problems, plus both parents working full time. They did no excursions due to the baby's nap schedule but did get off the ship and look around some of the ports. The steward and wait staff doted on the baby. Mom and Dad considered the vacation a great success.

 

This summer we are taking the entire family (which includes a son and daughter-in-law) to Alaska. With a now 3 1/2 year old it will be much easier but we are limiting organized excursions for her. She still needs a nap in the afternoon and we wouldn't want to subject fellow cruisers who paid lots of money for an excursion to a meltdown or even just a cranky kid. The only excursions planned with her attendance are both in the morning: a 1 hour Lumberjack show and, on a different day, a 1 hour walking tour (taking a stroller) with National Park Service Rangers.

 

One recommendation from our daughter - make sure you have a lightweight stroller that reclines for nap time and has a canopy to protect your baby from the sun!