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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
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cruising with a toddler
Hi Everyone,
I am thinking of taking a cruise with my almost two year old daughter and my mom this March or in September. It will be a birthday present for my mom so I dont want to do disney. Is there a cruise line that you would recommend where there are things to do for a toddler and an adult. I now my DD can't take part in the kids club on most ships but is there any cruise line with a great toddler play area where she and I can play together?. I am thinking of doing royal carribean or celebrity but would love some feedback from you ladies.
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Posted 2/14/13 1:12 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: cruising with a toddler
RCCL is more kid friendly than Celebrity.
I'd try for the Allure or Oasis - RCCL's largest ships with a lot to do, and from what I remember of the Oasis (I'm CF) a great kiddie pool area and a carousel.
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| Posted 2/14/13 1:51 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: cruising with a toddler
I think it depends on what ship and itinerary you are looking at. Is your DC potty trained? There are very limited choices if they are not. DD#2 potty trained for our celebrity cruise 2 years ago. Celebrity does not have any pools for those not potty trained. Swimmies are not allowed. I am not sure about RCCL if they have a splash area it would be on the newer ship but I haven't looked into it to tell you. I would pick a cruise with that is port intensive rather than more sea days.
My DD was 27 months her 1st cruise. She wanted to join her sister in the fun factory. But loved swimming in the pools and exploring the ship. But honestly without the fun factory or the pools they really don't offer anything. Maybe try the big RCCL ships that have the carousel, diving shows etc. It will give you more to do with your toddlerwhenyou are not in port. Another reason to do a port intensive cruise so you can go to the beach or do other fun things then the pools are less of an issue.
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| Posted 2/14/13 2:05 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by Lillykat
I think it depends on what ship and itinerary you are looking at. Is your DC potty trained? There are very limited choices if they are not. DD#2 potty trained for our celebrity cruise 2 years ago. Celebrity does not have any pools for those not potty trained. Swimmies are not allowed. I am not sure about RCCL if they have a splash area it would be on the newer ship but I haven't looked into it to tell you. I would pick a cruise with that is port intensive rather than more sea days.
My DD was 27 months her 1st cruise. She wanted to join her sister in the fun factory. But loved swimming in the pools and exploring the ship. But honestly without the fun factory or the pools they really don't offer anything. Maybe try the big RCCL ships that have the carousel, diving shows etc. It will give you more to do with your toddlerwhenyou are not in port. Another reason to do a port intensive cruise so you can go to the beach or do other fun things then the pools are less of an issue.
Thanks for your reply. If we go in March she will only be 20 months and not potty trained. If we go in September she will be 26 months old. I am not looking to drop her off at a kiddie club but would like a great play area where we can play together while my mom and sister do their own thing. I will definitely look into RCCL.
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| Posted 2/14/13 4:05 PM |
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Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: cruising with a toddler
I know you said no Disney but I would check it out. They seem to have some good adult only options and pool area for non potty trained kids. I personally know 2 couples who did Disney cruises as grandparents wo the kids and loved it!
We are taking the kids inthe spring and ds2 will just be 2!
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| Posted 2/14/13 5:23 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
How is the food on disney?. My mom is a foodie and so that's why I thought of celebrity but I need to balance what she wants with having something to do with a toddler
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| Posted 2/14/13 5:54 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
I just did 2 celebrity summit cruises to bermuda 2 augusts in a row. If your DC is not potty trained there is really nothing to do. You can get if there are any left a box of tous to borrow for the room, but have no idea what is in the box. They say there is a chance to go onto the fun factory with you but I don't recall seeing them ever actually hold the session. Even so I think it is only like 30 mins long. Really if they are not potty trained on celebrity and under 3 the only choice is to bring a small blow up for your balcony and walk them around the lounges and the ship when at sea. They did treat my children very well though.
I would look into one of the RCCL ships, their newer ones with the carousel etc. Even if they don't have a program at least they have activities. Not sure they have swimming either.
NCL might have more but the dropped their 2 year program, not sure about their pools. Disney has a lot of adult only areas where kids can't go. The food on NCL and RCCL is not good so honestly I can't see disney food as being horrific. The disney cruises get high marks (check out their new ships). With the characters and other amenities there should be things to do.
Remember the kids clubs are there bc most ships offer nothing for the kids. They offer games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts etc. 2 is very young. While someuse the programs as babysitters. Many just drop their children off for one hour here or there or for specific activities, just like an adult says I want to go to.this food demostration,art talk, bingo.etc. but I think most it is 3 and potty trained.
Cruises can be fun but you have to go knowing you will have to provide all their entertainment since they can't use the pools or do the childrens activities. That was fine for us before my DD turmed 3 bc she could at least swim, but it is not for everyone. As long as you understand that you should have fun. This is why I suggest little to no sea days. This way you can get off with your dc, go to the beach, walk around. You are not stuck on a ship. Also note for many there is a minimum age of 3 to go on any ship excursion at least with celebrity.
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| Posted 2/14/13 7:39 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by Lillykat
I just did 2 celebrity summit cruises to bermuda 2 augusts in a row. If your DC is not potty trained there is really nothing to do. You can get if there are any left a box of tous to borrow for the room, but have no idea what is in the box. They say there is a chance to go onto the fun factory with you but I don't recall seeing them ever actually hold the session. Even so I think it is only like 30 mins long. Really if they are not potty trained on celebrity and under 3 the only choice is to bring a small blow up for your balcony and walk them around the lounges and the ship when at sea. They did treat my children very well though.
I would look into one of the RCCL ships, their newer ones with the carousel etc. Even if they don't have a program at least they have activities. Not sure they have swimming either.
NCL might have more but the dropped their 2 year program, not sure about their pools. Disney has a lot of adult only areas where kids can't go. The food on NCL and RCCL is not good so honestly I can't see disney food as being horrific. The disney cruises get high marks (check out their new ships). With the characters and other amenities there should be things to do.
Remember the kids clubs are there bc most ships offer nothing for the kids. They offer games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts etc. 2 is very young. While someuse the programs as babysitters. Many just drop their children off for one hour here or there or for specific activities, just like an adult says I want to go to.this food demostration,art talk, bingo.etc. but I think most it is 3 and potty trained.
Cruises can be fun but you have to go knowing you will have to provide all their entertainment since they can't use the pools or do the childrens activities. That was fine for us before my DD turmed 3 bc she could at least swim, but it is not for everyone. As long as you understand that you should have fun. This is why I suggest little to no sea days. This way you can get off with your dc, go to the beach, walk around. You are not stuck on a ship. Also note for many there is a minimum age of 3 to go on any ship excursion at least with celebrity.
Thank you so much. I guess I should look into Disney. I am also going to consider RCCL with many port days. Maybe going to Bermuda?. If your dc is too young to go to the kids club would they allow a parent to stay with the child for some of the kids club activities?
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| Posted 2/14/13 8:34 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Celebrity let my DD do one or two thing but only bc she was potty trained. But I know others where told no. I think their official policy is no.
That is the problem. I am not sure I would recommend bermuda bc celebrity for example is 2 days down and one back. That is a long time if you don't have activities. There are no childrens shows or movies. They only had cartoon network with older kid cartoons. So you don't even have that for a short break. My girls LOVED the shows however. This past cruise we did not use the fun factory. I was not happy with the supervision and the security sign in/out proceedure chznged and I felt it was not safe. This meant a 3 and 5 year old with no activities. They swam and lived in the pools. We had a great time but it took a lot more work. Whatever you choose get a balcony. We did breakfasts and lunches and some dinners out there. The first cruise the girls went on we ate every meal in the dining room. This past cruise we had issues with lack of service and had a hard time feeding my older DD who has food allergies in the main dining room so we ate elsewhere. The balcony was great we had a huge aft cabin. It allowed us to have quiet dinners or feed the kids on our schedule. Very relaxing. Also great at night or while your DC naps. So you don't have to.sit in a dark room. If you pick a balcony don't get a solid one make sure it is the plexiglass. The solid ones kids can't see out so the climb. Plexiglass they can sit on the ground and see perfectly which discourages the need to want to climb.
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| Posted 2/14/13 8:49 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Thanks lillykat. Have you or anyone else done a Disney cruise?. If anyone has been on Disney with a toddler how was it?. How was the food?.TIA
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| Posted 2/14/13 9:25 PM |
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GottaHaveFaith
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1443 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Disney cruise line is one of the top rated, in all areas! I would HIGHLY recommend! We did the 4 night last April when my dd was almost 21 months and thought it was fantastic! The food was very good compared to other cruise line foods, and the service and entertainment were top notch! They have exclusive adult only pools, bars and restaurants...and are very very strict so you would have no worries...your mom would really enjoy it!
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| Posted 2/16/13 9:54 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by denovo
Thanks lillykat. Have you or anyone else done a Disney cruise?. If anyone has been on Disney with a toddler how was it?. How was the food?.TIA
I haven't it is on my list bc when the girls are older I want to do a Europe cruise bc I think their tours are more family friendly than celebrity, rccl or princess. But honestly haven't rushed to cruise yet bc I can book a nice wdw vacation, or a nicer stateroom on celebrity for a lot less. But I will definitely sail with them eventually.
I have several friends who have cruised with them. 3 of which did so this past summer out of NY. One of my DD#2's classmates. His family normally sails on Celebrity but gave a suite a try since it left from NY and they got one day in the MK. They loved it. Said the food was pretty good, plenty of adult areas and activities. They said they had a few hiccups in the beginning with service (30+ mins for coffee refills but they said something and never again.) The people I know though all went with kids 3.5-4 and older. But heard the shows were typical disney cute productions, lots of character opportunities. They enjoyed the adult signature restaurant you could send your mother to one night for a special meal (there is an extra charge for that). There are several adult only areas (including I believe a pool), for your mom to get away for some relaxing adult time. You could send her to the spa. One caveat, not important to us, but for some a big deal, there is no casino on any disney ship.
I recommend going to the disneycruise site and ordering a free trip planning dvd. Also check out mousesavers for any current deals out there. Register on the disneycruiseline site sometimes they willsend special offers. I never get the wdw ones but do get some cruise ones.
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| Posted 2/16/13 12:52 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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cruising with a toddler
This is what I think about a Disney cruise- the kids club for the 3+ crowd is amazing and the kids beg to stay there. If you have kids that age and want to have alone time with your dh, the Disney cruise is for you. Our kids are under 3 and don't get me wrong- we had a great great time, BUT regarding the price tag, I think we would have had 85% of that great time on another line with kids amenities on board. I thought the food in.Disney world was amazing. I thought the food on the ship was on par with other lines I've sailed.
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| Posted 2/16/13 1:45 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by lynnd126
This is what I think about a Disney cruise- the kids club for the 3+ crowd is amazing and the kids beg to stay there. If you have kids that age and want to have alone time with your dh, the Disney cruise is for you. Our kids are under 3 and don't get me wrong- we had a great great time, BUT regarding the price tag, I think we would have had 85% of that great time on another line with kids amenities on board. I thought the food in.Disney world was amazing. I thought the food on the ship was on par with other lines I've sailed.
I am curious since it seems none of the lines really have anything for under 3 what line you would recommend instead? Especially a non potty trained.
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| Posted 2/16/13 9:45 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by lynnd126
This is what I think about a Disney cruise- the kids club for the 3+ crowd is amazing and the kids beg to stay there. If you have kids that age and want to have alone time with your dh, the Disney cruise is for you. Our kids are under 3 and don't get me wrong- we had a great great time, BUT regarding the price tag, I think we would have had 85% of that great time on another line with kids amenities on board. I thought the food in.Disney world was amazing. I thought the food on the ship was on par with other lines I've sailed.
I am curious since it seems none of the lines really have anything for under 3 what line you would recommend instead? Especially a non potty trained.
I'm not sure I can answer this in a great way bc I haven't gone on others with my kids but on Disney for under 3 there is basically a splash zone (too young for either water slide), a nursery, and I guess you could count characters (though it's obviously only like a minute) and movies of they'll sit. I know some lines have things like bowling, carousel, etc. I'd like to try the Epic. I'm not saying we didn't have a super time- just that I think the hefty price has a lot to do with the amazing 3+ kids club.
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| Posted 2/16/13 10:03 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by lynnd126
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by lynnd126
This is what I think about a Disney cruise- the kids club for the 3+ crowd is amazing and the kids beg to stay there. If you have kids that age and want to have alone time with your dh, the Disney cruise is for you. Our kids are under 3 and don't get me wrong- we had a great great time, BUT regarding the price tag, I think we would have had 85% of that great time on another line with kids amenities on board. I thought the food in.Disney world was amazing. I thought the food on the ship was on par with other lines I've sailed.
I am curious since it seems none of the lines really have anything for under 3 what line you would recommend instead? Especially a non potty trained.
I'm not sure I can answer this in a great way bc I haven't gone on others with my kids but on Disney for under 3 there is basically a splash zone (too young for either water slide), a nursery, and I guess you could count characters (though it's obviously only like a minute) and movies of they'll sit. I know some lines have things like bowling, carousel, etc. I'd like to try the Epic. I'm not saying we didn't have a super time- just that I think the hefty price has a lot to do with the
amazing 3+ kids club.
I agree but think disney has the most bc most of the others don't offer splash zones which is the issue. Not a big NCL fan but they used to have the kids club for 2+ but dropped it now it is 3+. I did recommend the RCCL ship with the carousel but then she asked about disney. I am not sure if the RCCL have a non potty trained splash area. Disney often has kids sail free deals where you only pay taxes, port charges and tips. If you can get it. I don't know they seem to offer more for younger ones than others who don't have any nursery or babysitting, no pool at all and at least characters. I think you can get more for your money elsewhere but I think they offer a good product if you don't mind the price tag. For less than the cruise you can have a nice wdw vacation, get a nice huge room and balcony on Celebrity, etc. But if you are under 3 and not potty trained celebrity for example has nothing to offer. It is hard to cruise with small kids, doable but you either have to pay a lot or be willing to know what you are getting yourself into.
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| Posted 2/17/13 7:38 AM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Thanks so much to everyone who responded so far. It's a tough choice but I gather from all the posts that no cruise ship has much to offer for kids under 3. Anyone cruise RCCl with a toddler?. How was it?. I can't swim myself so not really interested in the pools More interested in having a good play area where we can play together and my mum can find somethinng to do
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| Posted 2/17/13 12:49 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by lynnd126
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by lynnd126
This is what I think about a Disney cruise- the kids club for the 3+ crowd is amazing and the kids beg to stay there. If you have kids that age and want to have alone time with your dh, the Disney cruise is for you. Our kids are under 3 and don't get me wrong- we had a great great time, BUT regarding the price tag, I think we would have had 85% of that great time on another line with kids amenities on board. I thought the food in.Disney world was amazing. I thought the food on the ship was on par with other lines I've sailed.
I am curious since it seems none of the lines really have anything for under 3 what line you would recommend instead? Especially a non potty trained.
I'm not sure I can answer this in a great way bc I haven't gone on others with my kids but on Disney for under 3 there is basically a splash zone (too young for either water slide), a nursery, and I guess you could count characters (though it's obviously only like a minute) and movies of they'll sit. I know some lines have things like bowling, carousel, etc. I'd like to try the Epic. I'm not saying we didn't have a super time- just that I think the hefty price has a lot to do with the
amazing 3+ kids club.
I agree but think disney has the most bc most of the others don't offer splash zones which is the issue. Not a big NCL fan but they used to have the kids club for 2+ but dropped it now it is 3+. I did recommend the RCCL ship with the carousel but then she asked about disney. I am not sure if the RCCL have a non potty trained splash area. Disney often has kids sail free deals where you only pay taxes, port charges and tips. If you can get it. I don't know they seem to offer more for younger ones than others who don't have any nursery or babysitting, no pool at all and at least characters. I think you can get more for your money elsewhere but I think they offer a good product if you don't mind the price tag. For less than the cruise you can have a nice wdw vacation, get a nice huge room and balcony on Celebrity, etc. But if you are under 3 and not potty trained celebrity for example has nothing to offer. It is hard to cruise with small kids, doable but you either have to pay a lot or be willing to know what you are getting yourself into.
Also should add that our most fun day was the private island, which you can also get on the other lines.
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| Posted 2/17/13 1:21 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by denovo
Thanks so much to everyone who responded so far. It's a tough choice but I gather from all the posts that no cruise ship has much to offer for kids under 3. Anyone cruise RCCl with a toddler?. How was it?. I can't swim myself so not really interested in the pools More interested in having a good play area where we can play together and my mum can find somethinng to do
Okay. My suggestion would be to try one of the large RCCL ships. Liberty, freedom, independence, oasis, and the allure all have baby splash zones. That is what you would want. This way you can let your DC run around a bit. The larger ones will have things like rock climbing, that surfing pool, zip line, diving show, ice rink, carousel, etc. Your DC will obviously be too young to participate but you coule explore the ship and I am sure a 2 year old would have fun watching some of that. Additionally, I think most of those ships offer some dreamwork characters. Your child might not know shrek etc but might have fun seeing the characters or having a meal with them (I think they do a character brunch). I might lean towards disney but I think RCCL is a decent line. My aunt and uncle like both RCCL and Celebrity. They like the food better on celebrity but say they really enjoy both lines.
As for not swimming. I can't believe someone who comes from a place with such amazingly gorgeous water doesn't swim  , but my DH does not feel comfortable in the water so I completely understand what that is like. Do you not swim at all or are you just scared of the water...big difference. I actually think swimming is very important bc you never know what your child will be exposed to or need the skill. At least with a splash pool you won't need to swim. Have you considered private adult lessons to get a bit more comfortable in the water in case your DC decides she loves the water and you need to take her in when she gets bigger. I ask my husband what he will tell the girls when they want him to swim with them.
Sorry for the tangent...I would also pick an itinerary that is port intensive. This way you will have fewer days you have to worry about finding activities.
RCCL also like celebrity offers I believe a box of toys for 6-36 months. They also have toddler time (as I understand it nothing too much to get excited over. They have I think one or two toys and maybe some crayons in a lounge for like 45 mins once a day or at sea. I hear it isn't anything to get excited about.
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| Posted 2/17/13 1:56 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
I know!. It's awful that I grew up on an island and can't swim. In my defense I grew up in the city area. I would totally be up for taking an adult swimming class and definitely want dd to learn to swim. Thanks for explaining the program on RCCL. They make the toddler play time sound much more exciting on their website
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| Posted 2/17/13 4:20 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
Posted by denovo
I know!. It's awful that I grew up on an island and can't swim. In my defense I grew up in the city area. I would totally be up for taking an adult swimming class and definitely want dd to learn to swim. Thanks for explaining the program on RCCL. They make the toddler play time sound much more exciting on their website
No, I do understand. I think when you are young it is easy to learn the older you are the harder it is. Less fear as a kid.
You know as I understand it the more kids in that age on the sailing, with a motivated staff will put more work into it than if there are only 2 or 3 kids.
Can I suggest you try reading some over at cruisecritic.com they break their boards by cruiseline. I think it will help you a lot.
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| Posted 2/17/13 5:02 PM |
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denovo
LIF Infant
Member since 1/12 56 total posts
Name:
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Re: cruising with a toddler
I am totally going to check out cruise critic. Thanks alot
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| Posted 2/17/13 5:28 PM |
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