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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Okay we are going on a cruise to bermuda end of summer - girls will be 4 and 2.
I have a few questions for you:
Did you bring 2 strollers? I only have one umbrella - I figure from my prechildren cruises that there is no way my doubles would work. DD#1 rarely uses a stroller - we only take it out basically when we go places like the zoo where there is a lot of walking. Do I need to invest in a cheapy umbrella for her - (anyone know where to get a cheap one?) - if I pull a stroller out for DD#2 that is the one time she WANTS to ride - but doesn't usually stay in it. So do I really need 2 strollers? We leave from Bayonne so I am driving so flying is not a consideration.
Also - car seats and taxi's. We are traveling with my parents - they said they want to take taxi's to the beach. Did you all use a car seat or did you just hold your child - I'm not sure that I'm totally comfortable with that - they have ONLY been in car seats when in a car - but we haven't been to an island with them yet. Did you all just use the buses and ferries or did you take taxis?
Any MUST do's? Best beaches for a 2 and 4 year olds? It is docking for 3 days in King's Wharf.
Any other tips/hints would be greatly appreciated - I have taken 14 cruises before but this is the first one with children and so I feel like it is a totally different mindset - we always took tours, etc so I'm not looking at totally different things - and I haven't been to Bermuda before either.
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Posted 6/11/11 6:22 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
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Karen
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
We did the Norweigan Dawn in October 2009, the day after DD turned 2. I believe it was our 9th cruise and 2nd time to Bermuda.
I am 99% sure we docked at King's Wharf. If so, there is an awesome beach/water park right there, easily within walking distance of the cruise ship. We spent one full day there. You might need a stroller for your 2 year old, but definitely not your 4 year old.
Another full day we did the Bermuda Museum Aquarium and Zoo (all in one). Super easy to get to - you take a ferry to one of the towns and then a bus which has an actual stop at the Museum. The public transportation system of Bermuda is very friendly and easy to use. Much cheaper to book it on your own versus booking through the cruise line. This was a decent amount of walking through the place though and it's a full day event, so you might need a stroller for your 4 year old too. DD didn't make it out awake. Target has cheapy umbrella strollers for under $20, I just had to pick up one when I got to Maryland for a family function and realized I left all my strollers in NY!
The third day we didn't have a ton of time in Bermuda and DD was wiped, so we just hung out the ship and hung in the kiddie pool area.
We didn't take any taxis at all, so I can't comment on that. DD absolutely loved the ferry and got a kick out of the bus too.
Hope that helps!!!
Message edited 6/11/2011 8:48:32 PM.
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| Posted 6/11/11 8:17 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Bumping for people during the week to see if anyone else can add more.
Thank you Karen!!
Did you like the Zoo and Aquarium?
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| Posted 6/13/11 4:38 PM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
The Zoo/Aquarium were absolutely awesome! Well worth it!!
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| Posted 6/13/11 8:27 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
I'm in a slightly different situation, but hope to help.
DS was 9 months old when we went on a cruise from NY to Puerto Rico, Grand Turk & St Thomas.
We brought our stroller, but didn't use it most of the time: I just carried him. The stroller barely fit through the cabin door (I can't imagine you would have the space for a double).
I used an open-air bus once. There def. was not a place for a carseat to be strapped on, so I'd say go without. I held DS in my arms really tight and prayed nothing would go wrong.
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:12 AM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
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Diana
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Two strollers area must have. I bought a cheapo at BRU for like 30 bucks and I use it all the time with Tyler now.
We held Jack on our laps but the taxi brought a carseat for Tyler (we were driving an hour though) - for a short distance I would hold them on your laps.
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:27 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
From what I have read on cruise critic when we were debating a cruise to Bermuda, the taxi cab drivers in Bermuda drive like lunatics. I would not feel comfortable with kids on my lap. I've also read there is really no room for strollers on the bus, and if it doesn't fit in your seat, then you can't bring it. I would opt to take the ferry.
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:30 AM |
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pickles16
Real Estate Professional
Member since 11/07 17227 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
We took DD at 18 mos...We did bring the stroller and it was well worth it bc she napped in it. Also, any cab rides or bus rides she was on our lap we did not bring the car seat!
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:35 AM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Sigh.....I did that cruise before kids and loved it.
We took a bus to Horseshoe Beach which was very calm, like Tobay on LI and had a ton of kids. I also remember getting ice cream in Hamilton.
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| Posted 6/14/11 8:50 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Thanks! Yeah this is my mom's retirement trip and wanted us along - we are going on celebrity - but I would have chosen a more family friendly line.
I figured we would take a bus but they are insisting on taxi's so I wanted to get some more opinions from the moms here b.c you guys are all so helpful!
This is our first cruise with children - our last cruise was in Nov 2006 when I was pregnant with DD#1.
My mom keeps insisting I DON"T need a stroller for DD#1 - but it seems like more people on here are saying yes you do.
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Sigh.....I did that cruise before kids and loved it.
We took a bus to Horseshoe Beach which was very calm, like Tobay on LI and had a ton of kids. I also remember getting ice cream in Hamilton.
How was the bus to Horseshoe bay beach? Is it a long ride? Are there facilities there?
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| Posted 6/14/11 9:11 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Diana1215
Two strollers area must have. I bought a cheapo at BRU for like 30 bucks and I use it all the time with Tyler now.
We held Jack on our laps but the taxi brought a carseat for Tyler (we were driving an hour though) - for a short distance I would hold them on your laps.
So you think I would be okay with the quest maclaren and getting a cheapy one from BRU?
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| Posted 6/14/11 9:12 AM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Sigh.....I did that cruise before kids and loved it.
We took a bus to Horseshoe Beach which was very calm, like Tobay on LI and had a ton of kids. I also remember getting ice cream in Hamilton.
How was the bus to Horseshoe bay beach? Is it a long ride? Are there facilities there?
I *think* it was only a 15 minute bus ride from Hamilton. This was on an older Celebrity ship that was smaller and could dock in Hamilton.
It was a beautiful beach and so calm for kids. I believe there were facilities there and seemed to be a lot of families. Very, very pretty.
We did the water taxi to and from the other end of the island, where the crafts shop is and the boat ride itself was a lot of fun!
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| Posted 6/14/11 9:32 AM |
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Mom2010
LIF Toddler
Member since 3/10 384 total posts
Name:
Eclaire Lover
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
We just returned from Bermuda on 5/27. We took one stroller (although my children are 7 years and 9 mo), however I think you'd be better off with getting a cheap stroller for the 4 year old, especially if you intend to do any off ship excursions.
We took a ferry from King's Wharf to Hamilton and then a bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach. We didn't have a carseat; I just held the baby. It worked out ok. Traveling in Bermuda is alot less congested than anywhere else.
There is some cute things to do right in Kings Wharf. There's a glass blowing factory that is really cool. There is also a Maritime museum (where they have dolphins, etc.) and a playground.
If you are taking Royal Carribean, there is an awesome on-ship kids club that basically provides daycare for your older child. There isn't much in terms of programs and activities for the 2 year old. Watch also the cost of daycare/babysitting. The website shows $8.00 an hour when in reality it's $19.00 an hour! One evening w/o the kids cost us $100.00!
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| Posted 6/14/11 10:40 AM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Gatsbygirl
I *think* it was only a 15 minute bus ride from Hamilton. This was on an older Celebrity ship that was smaller and could dock in Hamilton.
It was a beautiful beach and so calm for kids. I believe there were facilities there and seemed to be a lot of families. Very, very pretty.
We did the water taxi to and from the other end of the island, where the crafts shop is and the boat ride itself was a lot of fun!
You probably were on the Zenith? That is the one my parents used to take -I heard it was a great cruise!
We are going on the Summit. They now dock at King's Wharf.
Anything else you would think the girls would enjoy? We are going with my parents so we are partly on their schedule with what they want to do - but I will lobby for some things if they are definitely worth doing.
Message edited 6/14/2011 5:49:07 PM.
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| Posted 6/14/11 5:48 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Mom2010
We just returned from Bermuda on 5/27. We took one stroller (although my children are 7 years and 9 mo), however I think you'd be better off with getting a cheap stroller for the 4 year old, especially if you intend to do any off ship excursions.
We took a ferry from King's Wharf to Hamilton and then a bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach. We didn't have a carseat; I just held the baby. It worked out ok. Traveling in Bermuda is alot less congested than anywhere else.
There is some cute things to do right in Kings Wharf. There's a glass blowing factory that is really cool. There is also a Maritime museum (where they have dolphins, etc.) and a playground.
If you are taking Royal Carribean, there is an awesome on-ship kids club that basically provides daycare for your older child. There isn't much in terms of programs and activities for the 2 year old. Watch also the cost of daycare/babysitting. The website shows $8.00 an hour when in reality it's $19.00 an hour! One evening w/o the kids cost us $100.00!
Did you have a small stroller on the bus with you? That sounds great! We are definitely planning to hit Horseshoe bay. I will look into those other options too.
No we are on their sister line - Celebrity - I would love to try RCCL someday - I have only sailed 90% of my cruises on Celebrity - but we also liked Princess and my 1st cruise was on NCL a LONG time ago. But this is our first cruise since I was pregnant with DD#1 so we haven't gone with children before and it will definitely be a totally different experience.
That is crazy!! We are going with my parents who plan to help us with the girls - I think they are going to watch the girls after they eat so that DH and I can go and dine alone more nights. Unfortunately my DD#2 is very attached to me and is only starting to warm up to others - so I seriously doubt I would be able to leave her with a babysitter- she cries hysterically if I try to leave her alone with my MIL in the car for 5 mins to run into a store.
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| Posted 6/14/11 5:54 PM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Diana1215
Two strollers area must have. I bought a cheapo at BRU for like 30 bucks and I use it all the time with Tyler now.
We held Jack on our laps but the taxi brought a carseat for Tyler (we were driving an hour though) - for a short distance I would hold them on your laps.
So you think I would be okay with the quest maclaren and getting a cheapy one from BRU?
Absolutely. I'm telling you, I love the one I got.
Jack who is hardly in a stroller was constantly in one on the trip. Even to get to the Camp Carnival which was at the opposite end of the ship he wanted to go in the stroller.
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| Posted 6/14/11 6:50 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Those who have cruised - esp those who went to bermuda with kids...questions
Posted by Diana1215
Posted by Lillykat
Posted by Diana1215
Two strollers area must have. I bought a cheapo at BRU for like 30 bucks and I use it all the time with Tyler now.
We held Jack on our laps but the taxi brought a carseat for Tyler (we were driving an hour though) - for a short distance I would hold them on your laps.
So you think I would be okay with the quest maclaren and getting a cheapy one from BRU?
Absolutely. I'm telling you, I love the one I got.
Jack who is hardly in a stroller was constantly in one on the trip. Even to get to the Camp Carnival which was at the opposite end of the ship he wanted to go in the stroller.
See that is what I'm afraid of - she never wants to go in one (although we do occasionally use one to walk to the park - easier than carrying all the snacks etc) - but the only time she will get in one is if her sister is in one - I can see them fighting over who will get in it if I only bring one. My parents are insisting that we don't need any - but it won't be my mother who is carrying them when they are tired.
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| Posted 6/14/11 7:30 PM |
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