XP: Traveling with a baby

Hi Mommies!

I have a quick question and would like some feedback from the experts.

My mom is turning 60 a year from this Thursday, to celebrate, my dad is planning on taking the whole family on a cruise (YAY!). Our DS will be about 8 months old (I am 23 wks pregnant now) so my questions are, has anyone done this before? And what was it like? We'd fly to Ft. Lauderdale and then get on the ship from there. I am not hesitant at all about bringing DS, I just kind of want to know what to anticipate.

Thanks Ladies

Message edited 1/2/2007 1:01:37 PM.

Re: XP: Traveling with a baby

Well, we havent done a cruise yet with my daughter, but we did take her to Disney when she was only 1 1/2 months, and again at a year. They sold plenty of baby stuff there, as I'm sure they probably due on board a cruise ship.

It just may not be as relaxing as you want it to be!

Re: XP: Traveling with a baby

I'm going on a cruise with my ILs and my nephew will be there, he's 16 months, I'll let you know how it goes....

Re: XP: Traveling with a baby

We went to Mexico when Jack was 11 months and I was 23 weeks pregnant. He was walking so it was a little tough chasing after him, since your little one is only 8 months it should be easier. Make sure you bring snacks, a tube for the pool and some toys for the plane.

Have a great triP!

Message edited 1/2/2007 2:01:53 PM.

Re: XP: Traveling with a baby

A few things you should know - kids who are not toilet trained cannot go into any of the pools (a few lines will allow you to take the child to a splash pool during certain hours) from doing research it appears that they can't go into the pools - I have read some parents take blow up pools for their balcony for the children.

Another tip I see are small blow up baths - this is helpful when it comes to bath time as you won't have a tub only a very small shower (unless you have a suite).

What cruise line are you thinking of - some are more young child friendly than others are.

My best suggestion is to go to cruisecritic that is the best website for cruises - it is a posting board and they break it up so that each cruiseline has its own section - and there is a family section where you can get lots of info.

One caveat - be prepared for some obnoxious posters - there are many on that board that do not believe that an infant is welcome on a cruise - so some will offer non welcome advice.

If you are going with other family I think it would be great as you will have family members to help you watch the child which I think can make it a much better experience.

Have a great trip!!! We love to cruise.