Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

My mom wants to take the whole family on a cruise. My father passed away this past May, and due to health issues, had been unable to cruise. Now, my mother wants something to look forward to. I suggested that we wait until 2014, when the baby will be 2, but do you think it would be feasible next summer, when she's 1? I feel like my mom needs to have something fun to look forward to before 2 years from now.

If you've traveled with a child who is not toilet-trained, which cruise line was best? I know, for example that Carnival doesn't have swim facilities for children in swim diapers, so I'd rather not do that, although I enjoyed my last Carnival cruise.

We'd love to do Disney, but it's SO expensive. I have a feeling it will be out of my mom's budget, although we haven't fully discussed.

We would be travelling with my mom, who is in her 60s, and with my nephews who will be 10 and 14 next summer, or 11 and 15 the summer after, as well as my SIL and BIL, who are in their 40s.

Please give me your opinions about cruising with a LO. We would like to leave from NY or NJ, if possible. TIA!

Re: Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

I would go before your DC is able to walk. It will make things easier. You can bring a blow up pool/tub and have the staff fill it up for you. I would also get a balcony room - if your DC is sleeping you can still enjoy yourselves. With a two year old who is walking and wants to get into everything it will be much harder. Ideally I would travel when your DC is about 8-9 months old.

Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy both have Nemo's Reef which is a water splash area for littles and they're not required to be potty trained. Best part? It's shaded! The Disney Fantasy also has the AquaLab which may be a bit much for a tiny one but on the days when it's less busy, she could have fun splashing around.

I second the verandah room, no matter which cruise line you choose! It really makes a huge difference in your feeling of freedom when the baby is sleeping

- Kimberly Hill
Mouse Tales® Travel
LIFamilies Vendor
Creating Magical Vacations for LIFamilies since 2008

Re: Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

Honestly, I think sooner rather then later is better. If you can go before she is too mobile, and will still nap in a stroller, you will have a more relaxing time. We went last year on NCL and DS was 2 months shy of being eligible for camp. He was all over the place. Fortunately they allowed swim diapers in the baby pool, but given the time of year, since it was shady there you were almost cold sitting around. But it was impossible for DH to sit in chairs in the sun. We had to keep taking turns walking around the deck. He would not nap in he stroller so we were stuck in the room a few hours a day. It was probably the least relaxing vacation we have ever taken. It may have even scared DH off from ever cruising again.
We "may" try again when both DS are old enough for camp. NCL has now changed their camp age from 2 to 3. Without camp, there is just not enough to do with kids- in our opinion. Plus, it will be awesome to feed the kids, drop them off at camp for a few hours, and have a nice dinner alone with DH.

Re: Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

We did the Dream in April and my DD was 1 week shy of 22 months...it was good, but I'd say go before she turns 2!!! I'd even go before one, because like a PP said, once they walk, it's not easy! 6-9 months is awesome because they still usually take 2 naps, and will for the most part, still sit in a stroller! My parents were with us, which made it a little easier and we all took turns walking and chasing her! The splash areas are great!
If Disney is out of your budget ( but keep checking because their prices and deals change), I would check out RCL either the new Oasis or Allure! They have the carousel and kid things, and its also great for the adults! Good luck! We are doing Turks and Caicos in May and my daughter will almost be 3, and my little one (I'm due November) will be 6 months! Also next August, we rented a house in Hilton Head for 2 weeks, but again, my LO will still not be walking and won't turn one til November...I can't wait! Lol

Re: Better to cruise with a 1-year-old or 2-year-old?

I don't have any DCs yet nor have I ever cruised, but I think it would be easier if you went before your DD can walk/is just starting to walk.