Cruising with a 11 month old?

Is that a terrible idea?
Can it be enjoyable?
Any tips/ideas?
Are there any pools usable?

Cruising with a 11 month old?

No it's not a terrible idea. We took our now 2 year old last year on a cruise(he was 1). Just make sure you bring enough diapers, wipes, Sippy cups since they do not sell them on the cruise. Pending the cruiseline you book you may or may not use the splash play area. Since your baby is not potty trained you can't put him or her in the pools. Also an umbrella stroller will come in handy.

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

Depends on the 11 month old. With MY 11 month old it would have been a horrible idea and a nightmare from hell.
But every kid is different

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

I think I would be fine if I were going with my family and had extra hands. We waited until our youngest will be 3 to book a cruise. We're going in a few months, but our 3 and 5 year olds can go to the camp together for a few hours. Plus, the 3yo is potty trained now, so we can bring her in all of the pools. I couldn't imagine a cruise where I would be confined to the baby pool all week!

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

We went with our 18 month old but it was a Disney Cruise and they are very accommodating to kids - it’s kind of their thing. You’d have to see what activities are in the ship during sea days to keep him occupied.

It’s a maritime law that diapered kids cannot go into pools, not up to cruise companies, so at most you’ll have to find a cruise with a splash area that allows babies (such as Disney, have no idea about others).

I’d recommend finding a cruise with a daycare center so at least you can do one nice evening just you and so.

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

We went at 8 months. It was great. Very easy to bring food, formula (we used ready to feed), strollers and tons of baby stuff aboard. Our DS crawled everywhere (didn’t get sick), got super special attention by the staff who all were away from their young kids, even got warm fresh made baby food at dinners and lunches (we didn’t ask). Napping was super easy and with no flight, I thought it was a very easy vacation.

The cruises that I’ve been on that has splash zones were Disney and Norwegian... but I’m pretty sure RCL had. We went to the beach a lot on the cruise... so I can’t say we missed out.

Our son was and is difficult. We cruised a lot with him because of it. It’s the easiest “big” vacation because if the kid flips out, you can walk back to room. Also, no flight if you leave from NYC!

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

I think it could be, but depends on the kid and family. With all three of my children, it would have been a hell ride. They were all difficult, highly active and stubborn at that age. Some kids are easy going and if so, I would consider it.

I always wanted to wait until they are age 2 when they can go into the kiddie cruise camp.

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

Thanks everyone.

We had to cancel a previously planned cruise because I became pregnant and didn't want to risk visiting islands with Zika.

The cruise line (RCCL) wouldn't refund us but instead gave us a voucher that has to be used in 2 years. Not ideal considering I haven't even HAD the baby yet and I'll have to plan for a trip for when the baby is under 1. Ugh.

We're just going to have to suck it up if we don't want to be out thousands of dollars

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

Re: Cruising with a 11 month old?

Cruising with a 11 month old?

I have been on a cruise with a 18 month old and an almost 2 1/2 year old and we had an amazing time both times. The staff on the cruise were amazing with the kids.