Hellobee Boards

I've never cruised but we're looking into it for next summer. It would be a family trip so LOs would be with us. We're having to decide between Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Hopefully some others who have cruised will weigh in!

We just cruised with LO (2.5 years) on holland America. It was a lot of fun! Only downside (no grandparents came with us) was that we couldn't do any of the later night activities, but that was ok because I was pretty beat by the end of the day. They can't go into cruise ship pools until they are potty trained, but at 9months your LO won't be old enough to know what they are missing.

I've only ever cruised with Holland America so can't speak to other lines, but they will put a fridge in your room at no extra charge if you are cruising with a baby/toddler, and will make them whatever you/they want to eat. I think you can arrange for baby food with them too.

We did a one-week Mediterranean cruise with LO when she was 3.5 months old. We went with MSC cruise because it was the only one that allowed a baby that young on the ship. I had read some less than stellar reviews, but was surprised at how wonderful the people on the ship was and overall amenities. My family was all there too, so it was helpful to get a break once in awhile (though BF'ing did have me in the room by myself quite often). Adjoining rooms are great if you can get them! My parents and sister had adjoining rooms, we left K in the room with the grandparents sometimes while we all hung out in sis' room.

Went on an Alaskan cruise when my daughter was a little over a year and it was great. She loved hanging out on the ship. No issues whatsoever. Couldn't hang out much at night but it was fine- we aren't huge partiers anyways and our days were pretty packed so by nighttime we were exhausted.

I went on a short cruise with LO when she was 18 months on Royal Caribbean - it was AWESOME. They have daycare for babies of any age, playrooms with toys, everything you could want.

@Cole: Interesting about bringing a blow up tub - I would ask the cruise line directly about the shower/tub. On Holland America there is a tub in every cabin. It isn't a full size adult tub, but it's definitely deep enough for a toddler to bathe in (and an adult, if you are not looking to stretch out and lounge), and you have the option to fill the tub or use as a shower. The shower is also hand-held, which was convenient for rinsing!

We have scheduled a cruise when our LO is 8 months (this June) and have his grandparents coming. I would make sure that the cruise you are looking for allows children that age. Most cruises we looked at were 6 months or 12 months depending upon where they went.