https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:20:15 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-2814148 Wed, 04 Apr 2018 07:05:07 +0000 babycanuck 2814148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-1583907 Tue, 22 Apr 2014 13:47:45 +0000 kml636 1583907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would also like advice... We were going to take our 17 month on a cruise with my in laws but that's now on hold due to baby #2 coming. Probably we will go with 2 LOs under 3 next year! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-1583403 Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:46:00 +0000 NBates 1583403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this is 2 years ago but I am hoping for suggestions! Traveling with 20 month old twins. Royal Carribean 5 days. Getting umbrella strollers. Am worried about sleeping arrnagements though. Little girl sleeps in her crib still so we ordered a pac n play. Is there enough room? we got the basic room for 4 people. Little boy started climbing out of crib so trying to figure out waht to do with him. Also, what should I take? What should I anticipate? Thanks so much! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-60983 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:45:55 +0000 mamapink 60983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry, I meant to say Red, not Kiwi, haha!<br /> Hope you guys enjoy your trip! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-60982 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:41:05 +0000 Red 60982@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamapink: Perfect! Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-60457 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:16:36 +0000 mamapink 60457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Kiwi, yup, they have highchairs at every restaurant. During formal dining it was nice because you are seated at the same table every night and you get the same waiters and servers so they know your preferences already by the second night. =)<br /> Just remember to tip them well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-60045 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:20:28 +0000 Red 60045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamapink: BTW, I actually have one of those flexible water bags. They don't hold much water and it's impossible to clean the inside. I would wait til they improve the designs before investing in one of those.</p> <p>ETA: Although, mine isn't Vapur brand so maybe that makes a difference. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-60040 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:16:03 +0000 Red 60040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamapink: For some reason, I wasn't emailed when you responded but thanks a bunch for the update. So awesome that they give you a whole bag of toys - that seriously helps us in the packing dept. Also good to know about the Benedryl for motion sickness.</p> <p>One question re: dining - Did they have highchairs in the dining rooms? Trying to decide if we need to pack our clip on highchair. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-51564 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:06:41 +0000 mamapink 51564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>emmebaby: we didn't bring a car seat.<br /> we went on a walking tour of atlantis. there was a short bus ride there from the port and we just took our umbrella stroller, folded, and i just held my daughter on my lap.</p> <p>i heard about the pre-order of the diapers but i knew it was going to be expensive so i just brought our own diapers (one box) and wipes. we didn't use the whole box so we just ended up bringing it back. you can calculate how many diapers they'll go through in a week and go about it that way.</p> <p>our daughter sleeps with us at home so it was the same on the cruise. she had no problems sleeping while on the cruise. we just asked for lots of pillows to cover a gap between the bed and the window.<br /> i think RC does offer a crib but i wouldn't know the details since we didn't use one.</p> <p>good luck and hope you guys have fun! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-51410 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:02:26 +0000 EmmeBaby 51410@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you! So helpful! Did you bring Car Seat? Did you participate in excursions that needed bus transport? </p> <p>My biggest fear, my 11mth will be shrieking all the way there. </p> <p>Diapers, heard there is a program where you can pre-order. </p> <p>Sleeping arrangements? Most likely LO will be sleeping inbtw us, did RC offer a crib?</p> <p>Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-51236 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:46:04 +0000 mamapink 51236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello everyone! We survived our first family vacation, yay!<br /> All of the tips above were extremely helpful.<br /> Some of the things that were really helpful for us were: night light, power strip, walkie talkie, water bottles, playtex drop-ins, mattress waterproof pad, and baby dish washing detergent plus brush.<br /> My BroIL bought several beer buckets so we used one of those buckets to wash any of our daughter's dishes but the playtex drop-ins really came in handy.</p> <p>Stroller: we loved the maclaren quest stroller. Unfortunately the weather was not so sunny and warm so we didn't get to use the protect-a-bub sunshade with it but we had it with us anyway. We did see one baby with the UppaBaby Vista stroller in the ship but I think they had problems moving in and out because it was so cramped everywhere. We did miss our Bugaboo, though!</p> <p>Motion sickness: we were fortunate that our daughter did not get any motion sickness but our pediatrician told us to give her some Benadryl if she did get sick. She is not old enough to take any of the motion sickness medicine out in the market now.</p> <p>Some other things that I brought with us that fortunately we didn't get to use but it was good to have just in case:<br /> Neosporin spray for kids (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plus-Relief-Spray-26oz-Tubes/dp/B005C4VUDA/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Plus-Relief-Spray-26oz-Tubes/dp/B005C4VUDA/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp</a>)<br /> and<br /> Neosporin wound cleanser foam for kids (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Neosporin-Cleanser-Instantly-2-3-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B0058PKPNE/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_b" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Neosporin-Cleanser-Instantly-2-3-Ounce-Bottles/dp/B0058PKPNE/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_text_b</a>)</p> <p>Water bottles: we didn't bring these but they would have been perfect. These reusable flexible water bottles are great for traveling:<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vapur-Flexible-Water-Anti-Bottle-Pack/dp/B0033XA2G8/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1326409044&#038;sr=8-14" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Vapur-Flexible-Water-Anti-Bottle-Pack/dp/B0033XA2G8/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1326409044&#038;sr=8-14</a></p> <p>Shower: I didn't get my daughter acquainted with the shower prior to traveling so needless to say she freaked out in the shower while on the ship for the first 3 days.</p> <p>Pool: Royal Caribbean (at least the one we went on) does not allow non-potty trained toddlers in their pools so we didn't do any pool activities at all. It was too chilly anyway. =(</p> <p>In addition to the above I'll just list some of our personal experiences with Royal Caribbean cruise line. This is strictly our personal opinions.<br /> We were on the Explorer of the Seas ship. I cruised with Norwegian cruise line twice in the past and my experience with cruises has always been very pleasant. I have to say that Norwegian cruise lines showed to be much better than Royal in all aspects, food, friendliness, service, entertainment/activities, etc.<br /> All in all, if you're cruising with a child I think no one can beat Disney cruise lines. We are saving up for that one! =)</p> <p>Two positives from our cruise:<br /> 1. Lactose free milk - the cruise ship had lactose free milk. Our daughter is lactose intolerant and she's a very picky eater so this was a huge plus! Especially since she didn't like any of the food that they served so she rarely ate any solids. All we had to do was ask for it at any cafeteria or restaurant. I'm not sure if they always have it or if they had it because my MIL called ahead of time and requested it.</p> <p>2. Toy lending program - Royal Caribbean had this toy lending program. They give you a bag full of toys and you can exchange for a different one as often as you like. This was a godsend because it kept our daughter entertained while inside our room. We exchanged our bag almost everyday so she got to play and explore with different toys that she doesn't have at home while away.</p> <p>3. Fisher Price toy room - they had a room full of Fisher Price toys for any toddlers and babies to come and play. That was the same room that they held toddler classes. However, hours were limited.</p> <p>Royal Caribbean also had many children's programs.<br /> They do have little classes for toddlers under 3 years old unfortunately we didn't take part in any of them.<br /> For kids over 3 years of age they have a drop off system where you can drop them off and they can play with other children while being monitored/babysat by crew members.<br /> They also have babysitting services at $19 or $20 per hour and they will come and stay in your stateroom and watch your baby there.</p> <p>Sorry this is so long! This is all I can remember but if anyone has any more questions I'd be happy to answer them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-50636 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:48:09 +0000 EmmeBaby 50636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamapink: I just posted a new tread on this -- Would love to know how your trip went!</p> <p>@red: Bump! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-49326 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:56:27 +0000 Red 49326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mamapink: Hi, I'm heading out on my Royal Caribbean cruise in a month and wanted to see how yours went. How was the baby program on board? How did the stroller work out? Any tips? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-14163 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:53:52 +0000 mamapink 14163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>awesome pointers! thank you so much!<br /> they will be very useful.</p> <p>i ended up getting a used maclaren quest sport stroller from craigslist. it was pretty new and i love the color. i also bought the protect-a-bub sunshade for it.</p> <p>i won't be taking an inflatable tub and i bought the children's sea-bands bracelets just in case.</p> <p>so excited! =)</p> <p>thank you again! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-13720 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:36:19 +0000 looch 13720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good thread with lots of advice! I have to remember this stuff, a lot of it isn't just cruise specific!</p> <p>A few things I have found useful:<br /> -bring some dish soap and laundry detergent. something always needs to be washed in a pinch<br /> -ziplock bags are your best friend, esp. if you are going to be leaving your cabin. you can use them to compartmentalize food and bring back dirty stuff. i travel with a box of the gallon sized bags and use the lot every time.<br /> -bring a bike lock for your stroller in case you have to leave it somewhere unattended. even if you don't have a pole to attach it to, you can lock the wheels together to prevent someone from walking away with it.<br /> -make a laminated tag for your stroller with your last name and contact number, just in case someone grabs it by accident. it's also easy to get it mixed up because a lot of strollers look the same<br /> -Medela makes a microwave steam bag that you can use to sterilize bottle parts if you can get access to a microwave. One bag lasts 20 times, so you just need one.<br /> -if you plan to leave the ship and do an excursion, do you need a car seat or are you comfortable riding in a car/van without one? One of the best excursions I did on a cruise was a van tour of Barbados<br /> -I'd also try the shower with your LO, my son is 10 months and he loves the shower. I send him in with my husband once a week. You can always really clean her with a washcloth after a dip in the pool or ocean.<br /> -bring a mattress pad to use for a changing station. I would just plop it on the bed and put my son on there after a bath. I bought mine at CVS ages ago, it's the kind without the elastic that goes around the mattress.<br /> -I am nuts about sun exposure, so I have a Protect-a-Bub sunshade for our stroller. I also have a mosquito net that I use to drape over the stroller when needed, a must have if you are going somewhere buggy.</p> <p>Most of all, have fun! Start laying out your stuff about a week before you leave. Take more clothes for your LO than you think you need and bring less for yourself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-13709 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:57:20 +0000 Red 13709@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've taken a few cruises before and have one planned next year with Royal Caribbean as well (first one with LO, so excited!). To answer your questions.</p> <p>#1) From what I've read, most people only use their umbrella strollers at port since it's such a pain to maneuver through people on the ship, plus it's difficult to avoid all the stairs. I'm going to bring my normal stroller (Peg Perego Vela) - it pretty light (10lbs), folds up fairly compact, and stands up when folded so I can just tuck it the closet.</p> <p>#2) Motion Sickness - don't know but I plan on emailing my Doctor to find out also. Also plan on asking if any immunization shots are necessary.</p> <p>#3) You're right, only Disney has tubs in their regular cabins. My LO will be about 14 months when we go and I plan on taking her in the shower with me. If you're unsure, start showering with her the week prior to get a feel for it and to acclimate her to the shower experience. Those bathrooms are so tight, I doubt it would be enjoyable using an inflatable tub anyways, not to mention storing it when it's not in use.</p> <p>#4) Cruise ship water is thoroughly filtered so it's definitely safe to drink, Whether or not it tastes as good to your LO is another story. It tastes fine to me.</p> <p>A few things not to forget:</p> <p>For LO:<br /> _ Child's passport, visa and other proof of citizenship<br /> _ Emergency Contact info: Pediatrician's name and phone numbers (daytime and emergency)<br /> _ LO's prescription drugs, tylenol, bandaids, etc.<br /> _ LO's Sunscreen<br /> _ Swim diapers<br /> _ Ziplock bags for wet stuff<br /> _ LO's body wash or detergent (if she uses something for sensitive skin)<br /> _ Bottle washing brush<br /> _ Disposable Bibs, eating utensils<br /> _ Sun hat<br /> _ Sunglasses<br /> _ Nightlight and extension cord</p> <p>General gear that I find helpful on a cruise:<br /> - power strip - there's never enough outlets to charge all the stuff we bring)<br /> - walkie talkies - great for communicating on the ship<br /> - water bottle<br /> - small flashlight<br /> - post-it notes to leave notes for SO or cleaning staff<br /> - duct tape<br /> - needle + thread / safety pins</p> <p>BTW, don't bring too many toys, Royal Caribbean has a toy lending program that you can take advantage of. Enjoy your vacation, I can't wait for mine :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-10254 Sat, 05 Nov 2011 22:29:51 +0000 mamapink 10254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, this thread got buried pretty deep with no responses. =(<br /> I guess not many people brought their toddlers in cruises?</p> <p>Hoping this is going to revive this and get some answers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-9470 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:22:14 +0000 anewme 9470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would love to see the responses to this too since I'm planning a cruise or short getaway in the coming months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/going-on-a-cruise-with-a-toddler#post-9447 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 09:32:33 +0000 mamapink 9447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We will be going on a 7-day cruise to the Bahamas (Royal Caribbean cruise line) at the end of next month.  It will be our first vacation since our daughter was born and this is our daughter's first trip away from home!  She will be 21 months when we leave.</p> <p>I need lots of tips and advice when it comes to traveling with a toddler, especially on a cruise!  Please help!</p> <p>1. Stroller<br /> What kind of umbrella stroller would you recommend in order to be able to maneuver through the narrow hallways in between staterooms and to carry to the ports fairly easily? I would prefer one that can recline a bit so that she can fall asleep comfortably in it while we're walking around too.</p> <p>We have a Bugaboo Cameleon that I love and take everywhere and we also have a Baby Jogger City Mini but they are both very bulky.  I would love to take my Bugaboo but it'll be too much of a hassle. =(</p> <p>Maclarens?  UppaBaby G-Luxe? $20 Babies R Us umbrella stroller?</p> <p>2. Motion sickness<br /> Since she's less than 2 years old I'm assuming she's not old enough to take any OTC motion sickness medicine that's out there (will call the doc to confirm).<br /> Have any of you taken a toddler on a cruise ship and they've gotten sick?<br /> If so, what helped?  Anti-motion sickness wrist bands?  Those tiny round stickers that you stick behind your ear?</p> <p>3. Bath tub<br /> I read that unless you are on a Disney Cruise ship or unless you get a really expensive suite room most staterooms do not have bath tubs. I think it'll be a bit tricky to wash her standing up since she's so young and won't stay still.<br /> Did you take an inflatable bath tub?<br /> Would it be a good idea to not lug an inflatable bath tub to minimize luggage?</p> <p>4. Cruise ship water<br /> I'm afraid that the water used in the ship might get our daughter sick so we plan on taking lots of bottled water, especially since she's strictly on a milk/formula diet (she's an extremely picky eater).<br /> Did your child get sick from the cruise ship water?  If so, what helped?</p> <p>I'll be taking warm clothes for the cold nights and AC'ed rooms, lots of bottle liners and bottled water, sunblock, snacks, books, some toys, etc.<br /> Besides these, what else should I know or bring?<br /> We've been on a cruise by ourselves before our daughter was born but I know things will be drastically different with a toddler in tow!</p> <p>Muchas gracias! =) </p>