Best Cruise with an Infant

DH and I are planning on taking a cruise next January. We will be bringing our DD who will be 7 months at the time. Anyone have recommendations on family friendly 5-7 day cruises that leave out of Port Canaveral? We've been looking at Disney cruises, but was wondering if any other cruise liners offer fun things to do with young families.

Best Cruise with an Infant

We haven't been on anything other than Disney, but honestly, a 7 month old is just going along for the ride and I'm not sure how much "fun" they will get out of it. They have a nursery, but you have to pay at that age. They DO have the cutest event...the diaper dash. The babies do a crawling race in the lobby, it's adorable!

Best Cruise with an Infant

I think all cruises have a nursery you can use. I would choose a cruise that has activities that you and your husband enjoy as no cruiseline really caters to children that young. All the newer ships on RCL, NCL and Disney have splash pads for children in diapers.

Out of Port Canaveral, I'd go on the Oasis. Great ship, family friendly and plenty to do for all. There is also a carousel which might be fun and some characters to see. I'd save Disney until your DD can enjoy it. It is expensive!

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

With an infant, we went on Carnival (DS) and Norwegian (with DD). Both made baby food for us at dinner and were super accommodating. I agree that Disney would be too much for a 7 mo old to process. We never really used the nursery babysitting.
I'd say to pick based on ports & activities at ports (best will be walking or beach).

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

I gotta be honest, we cruised when my DS was 8 months old and it really wasn't that fun for me.

It's a lot of work, and it was very crowded. I brought (still do bring) my DS everywhere and it still was stressful for me.

We went for a family birthday, so we didn't have a choice, however, I would do an on land AI with an infant

ETA: Not all cruises have childcare for infants and not all have the splash pads for babies with diapers

Message edited 1/11/2017 4:49:15 PM.

Best Cruise with an Infant

We are cruising in a couple of months with all of our children including a 1 year old and 3 year old. We are cruising on Carnival which has an amazing Kids Camp Program. It's our kids first cruise but hubs and I went on this same cruise in May so we know their is plenty for them to do. I wouldn't do Disney cruise with them yet because for all the $$$$ Disney will cost I would want them to remember it. Our cruise is out of Miami.

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

Just be aware you cannot cruise with a baby under 6 mos., - just be aware because your timeline skirts that age!

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

I also think a Caribbean resort may be better than a cruise. We took a 9m old and it was a great time. There is not much for a baby to do on a cruise.

We went on a Disney cruise when boys were 2.5 and 4.5 and again when they were 4.5 and 6.5.

Message edited 1/29/2017 11:19:26 AM.

Best Cruise with an Infant

As others have said, there is not much for a 7 month old to do on a cruise ship. As far as family entertainment goes or activities at 7 months they won't really be actively participating. You would want to find a cruise ship with a nice nursery for if you want time to yourself, but otherwise you would really be picking based on your preferences. Some Carnival cruises are more family oriented than others.

Also keep in mind that children must be 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise. For transatlantic, transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises, your infant must be at least 12 months old as of the first day of the cruise.
I know you said your child will be 7 months, but it is something to consider since you are close to that threshold.

If I can be of any help please let me know.

Kerri
Facebook.com/TravelKerri
[email protected]

Best Cruise with an Infant

Rcl has a program-

Royal Babies & Royal Tots

Our Royal Babies program (ages 6-18 months) offers our tiniest guests and their parents interactive classes filled with enriching activities developed by early childhood experts. Our Royal Tots program (ages 18-36 months) offers 45-minute interactive playground sessions filled with age-appropriate activities and toys. Both programs are hosted by our trained youth staff. A parent or caregiver must accompany child during all activity s

Re: Best Cruise with an Infant

Well, there is no such thing as a fun cruise for an infant (or parents of an infant). It's so much work, there is limited space and cruises are crowded.

But of any cruise line, I'd imagine Disney would be the best for families.