Do you take a car seat on a cruise for when you go on shore excursions?

Question

If you are taking a 14 month old on a cruise, should you bring a car seat for shore excursions which may involve bus rides? It is to alaska, so I would assume they have the same regulations on children being in car seats, right??

Answer 1

Busses do not have seatbelts, so there's no way to use a carseat.

However if you are traveling by air you should bring it on the plane with you, then simply put it in your cabin onboard the ship.  You likely won't need it on excursions.

Have fun!

Answer 2

This can be difficult because a lot of busses don't have seatbelts, so you'll end up bringing the car seat for nothing.  In addition, you may end up having to lug that carseat with you...  Ugg!  So, it'll end up being that or holding your baby on your lap.

Also be aware that many excursions have age restrictions.

If you absolutely insist on bringing a carseat, however, perhaps you can look into one that can collapse?

If the shore excursions are extremely not baby-friendly, take advantage of the cruise's babysitting services while you're on the shore excursions.  Here's a link to see if your cruiseline offers such service: http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/fami...

Answer 3

I do not recommend bringing it with you.  It will be a lot of bulk in your cabin.  The regulations are much more relaxed and does not require a child in a car seat.  I traveled with my little one at 10 months old and she was placed on our laps.

Answer 4

I doubt that you would be able to use it. If they use a bus it might not even have any way to attach the seat. You never know for sure what the transportation will be.

Answer 5

I suggest you do not bring a car seat because it will be very heavy to carry around on all of the excursions and they will probably let you have her sit on your lap. I don't think bringing such a young child on a cruise is such a good idea. Just to be sure about the car seat situation I suggest you contact the cruise line or look on their home web site online.