Anyone out there take a baby on a cruise before? Do u trust bbsitters on the ship?

Question

I want to take my baby when she's about 8 months...after she has her immunizations and when she's done (hopefully) being colicky. Worried that it's a little germy...but I could be being paranoid...also worried about any good excursions we could take her on (obviously nothing like horseback riding, etc ..lol) If you've done it..let me know if it was a nightmare or great.

Answer 1

No line offers child care for children under 12 months.  Cunard is one of the few that offers care for children under 2, Carnival's program begins at 2 and most others begin at 3 and require children to be potty trained.  Even Disney's program begins at age 3.

Royal Caribbean does have a "playgroup" with Fisher Price toys for toddlers that is facilitated by a staff member, however this isn't an all day program and parents must remain with their children.

Few lines offer babysitting for children that young.

Another thing to keep in mind is space in your cabin.  Should you decide to take your daughter with you, look at an outside cabin or better with a balcony preferred.  You want to make sure that you have enough room to move around in the cabin and insides cabins while cheap can be quite cramped without the addition of a pack and play.

As for excursions, few if any are designed to be "infant friendly" however depending on the line, and the destination some bus tours and walking tours might be doable with a stroller.  Beware of ports that require you to tender to/from the ship.  Trying to board a tender while managing an infant and a stroller could be a challenge.

Answer 2

We went on a Disney Cruise last year with our 4 children, ranging in ages from 6 months to 8 years. Someone posted that no cruise line offers care for children under 12 months??? That is not true! Disney Cruise has an entire deck for all the kids' clubs! There are 3 different ones- there is Flounder's Reef which is for babies up to 3 years old who are not potty trained. Then there is a club for ages 3-7 years old, and another club for ages 8-12. Then there is the teenager's club as well on another deck. Anyways, I have to say that I am probably one of the most paranoid people when it comes to my children- they have never been left with anyone but my parents! But we checked out everything regarding the Disney Cruise and their kids activities and it was the best vacation we have ever had!!! The entire ship was absolutely spotless and Disney is really careful about everyone using hand sanitizer-everywhere we went they had it!  And our 4 little ones actually cried when we would try to go get them out of their clubs! They had soooo much fun! I just could go on and on- I think you should just go on their website  Disneycruise.com and they will send you a free DVD. And let me tell you- what you see on the DVD is really how your vacation will be- its not at all overexagerated or made to look better than it is- it really is THAT great!!! We can't wait to go again next year!!!

Answer 3

honestly i  would say to leave the baby with a family member for the cruise,

you will not be able to relax and enjoy your selves the way you wish to if you have a baby,

she is too young to be able to remember anything , and then you have to think about what you are going to do with her if you want to go to a show or something after dinner since she likley will be ready to sleep,

best bet to leave her at home i know you may really want to take her but trust me in the long run you will be happier you left her at home

Answer 4

I am not sure about anyone else, but on Carnival, the children's program is from ages 2+.  Babysitting appears to be after 10:00 p.m. only.  They do offer a paid babysitting service for under 2 years old.

You need to check with the cruise line.  On Carnival, the charge was about $6.00 per hour 2 years ago.