Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

Looking to do a family vacation with lots of kid activities.

Which do you think would be easier?

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

I have never done a cruise WITH kids but have been to Aruba 3 times with my kiddies (now 3 and 2) stayed at the Marriott Surf Club..VERY family friendly. I think they have activities for kids..I know they have a play room and arcade room (never used really) and an outdoor playground..we went here a couple of times!

It was great! We didn't really do much but play on the beach, go in the pool, lazy river and down the water slide! But it was just enough for all of us!


I am dying to do a cruise with my kiddies next....I have heard that some cruises require kids to be potty trained! So I would make sure that isnt a problem when doing your research!

And since we dont rent a car and our taxi cab driver had car seats..we didnt bring them...that was a great way to cut down on all the stuff necessary to bring a long with us!!!!

Message edited 5/18/2011 4:37:07 PM.

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

We went on a cruise last year when DD was 8 months and DS was almost 3. We were a group of 13. Both sets of grandparents, siblings, and great grandma. I would not do a cruise without that kind of help. We are going on another cruise in a few weeks with my inlaws, my mom, and my grandma. It is a lot of fun, but as a parent you are constantly "on." It is not a super relaxing vacation. It is a fun vacation though.

ETA: Yes, all cruises except disney require DC to be potty trained to go into the pool. No swim diapers are permitted in the pools. Will some parents disregard this, yes. As will some adults in diapers. But they are not permitted for health reasons. Some lines may let kids into the kiddy pool with a swim diaper. For most kids clubs DC needs to be over age 3. Very few cruise lines (NCL) give discounts for young children. On most lines they pay the 3rd passenger rate regardless of age.

Message edited 5/18/2011 3:01:31 PM.

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

I think cost is also a factor. If you have to pay even 1/2 fare for both kids on a cruise that adds up and you also have to consider that they won't be allowed in the water if they're not potty trained.

Then again, you also have to consider the hassle of going to the resort and that you're paying full airfare for the older child if he's not a lap child. That also adds to the cost.

I think either would be great but it would definitely spoil the fun if both children aren't allowed in the pool.

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

I feel like I could never relax with my toddler on a cruise b/c I would be so paranoid about him falling over. That probably sounds ridiculous...

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

we just booked a cruise out of NJ with a toddler and an infant and I can't wait, we did a cruise with DD when she was 18 mos and it was the best vaca we took with her...

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

ive never brought my child on vacation BUT i have been on a few cruises and it always looks like the kids have so much fun. they have special sections of the ship with activities for the kids and a day camp kinda thing. they have special pools on the ship for the children. if i were planning a trip i def would consider the cruise ~ they have a lot of planned things for kids.

good luck! and have fun!

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

all inclusive resort!

We have been traveling since kids were 6mths. Our new place is beaches...so so so kid friendly..day care till 10pm, sesame place, etc. Its great

We also went to one in Mexico - Melia, it has day camp from 6mths up. It was good for putting kids down for nap, and for us to have a few hours alone

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

I think a resort would be easier, but a cruise would be way more fun! I know cruises have babysitting at night and camps for certain ages during the day so definitely check into the lines that are the most child friendly.

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

resort
I can't imagine having to pack all the stuff an infant needs (diapers, formula, toys, etc etc) into those tiny cabins.

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

Re: Which do you think is easier with a toddler and infant - a cruise or a caribbean resort?

Since most cruises cater to preschool aged kids ages 3+ for both daycare/kiddie clubs AND being allowed to swim once their potty trained, I'd look into a resort. Beaches resorts have great programs for infants, not just preschool aged kids.