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Crusing with Infants


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Yes, you read that right. InfantS.

 

My husband and I booked a 5 day cruise, heading to the Bahamas in mid-October and we're taking our will-be one year old twins with us! We're also bringing the grandparents since this will be our first official vacation since we had the babies.

 

I would love any and all reviews, suggestions, and tips from people who are just as insane as us to bring their one year olds on a cruise.

 

Things I'm looking for: What's one thing you wish you had brought? Or wish you didn't bring? Tips on packing light. The kind of stroller you brought. Are we insane to bring them off the ship?

 

Just some background, which might be helpful:

 

They were born prematurely, so I don't know if they'll be fully switched over to milk yet, so we're prepared to bring bottles and formula (our breastfeeding journey ended recently and our frozen BM stash is almost gone). We've already ordered bottled water to use. We'll also bring pureed food; just don't know how much at this point since they should be eating some finger foods by then (fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, dry cereal).

 

They are VERY well behaved, happy go lucky babies, so I don't see any problems or feel nervous about much. They are on a pretty good, semi-flexible schedule and we plan to stick with it as best as we can on the ship (we got YTD). Their enjoyment and happiness comes first; laying out on the lido, drinking a Corona light comes second.

 

Thanks in advance for your response!

 

Here are the loves of our lives, that we're pretty sure are going to be Platinum cruisers by the time they're 10 years old *fingers crossed*.

18342422_10104148537020606_78116240272912908_n.jpg?oh=b5ff04ad64591d0c93204f716cda19ee&oe=599F7D70

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We cruised when our son was 10 months old. Don't over pack on the food and snacks. You will find tons of food for them to eat. Often times I would find fresh veggies and ask for them to be steamed. There were always bananas and other fruits around. We ordered room service a lot as well. Mine was still BF at the time so no help there. But he ate many different foods. Plain pasta and chicken were always available at dinner. And if there is something you know they like and they have it on board, and you ask ahead of time, you can usually get it no problem. The crew was amazing and seemed to love having babies on board. There is a set time of day where you can also enjoy camp carnival, in the morning for us, with your babies. Don't over pack toys. There is so much to look at they won't need them. Do over pack diapers and wipes. We co slept so we all just slept in the king bed. Stroller, the halls etc are not all that wide so opt for a double stroller that is more front and back as opposed to side by side. It will be a great trip! Have fun. They will love it. We brought a walker and my DS went up and down the hall for hours. We also had an aft wrap so we had a lot of extra room that way as well. Many of the lounge areas are empty in the day and we took advantage and hung out in there and let him play and crawl around. And he slept great! The sea air and the gentle rocking! Enjoy!!!!

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Oh they're too cute! We've cruise twice with little ones. The first time our daughter was 14 months and then when she was 3 and our son was 14 months. I think the biggest advice is don't go into it with any expectations. You really have to just go with the flow of whatever the kids are up to doing at the time. We used our Ergo carrier for getting around the ship and then had the bigger stroller to take off the ship (City Mini the first time and a Graco sit and stand the second). There isn't a whole lot for little ones, but we did enjoy the open play at Camp Carnival on the sea days. It's early in the morning before Camp opens for the older kids. I have full reviews of each of those cruises in my signature down below. But I hope you have a great time!

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Yes, you read that right. InfantS.

 

My husband and I booked a 5 day cruise, heading to the Bahamas in mid-October and we're taking our will-be one year old twins with us! We're also bringing the grandparents since this will be our first official vacation since we had the babies.

 

I would love any and all reviews, suggestions, and tips from people who are just as insane as us to bring their one year olds on a cruise.

 

Things I'm looking for: What's one thing you wish you had brought? Or wish you didn't bring? Tips on packing light. The kind of stroller you brought. Are we insane to bring them off the ship?

 

Just some background, which might be helpful:

 

They were born prematurely, so I don't know if they'll be fully switched over to milk yet, so we're prepared to bring bottles and formula (our breastfeeding journey ended recently and our frozen BM stash is almost gone). We've already ordered bottled water to use. We'll also bring pureed food; just don't know how much at this point since they should be eating some finger foods by then (fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, dry cereal).

 

They are VERY well behaved, happy go lucky babies, so I don't see any problems or feel nervous about much. They are on a pretty good, semi-flexible schedule and we plan to stick with it as best as we can on the ship (we got YTD). Their enjoyment and happiness comes first; laying out on the lido, drinking a Corona light comes second.

 

Thanks in advance for your response!

 

Here are the loves of our lives, that we're pretty sure are going to be Platinum cruisers by the time they're 10 years old *fingers crossed*.

18342422_10104148537020606_78116240272912908_n.jpg?oh=b5ff04ad64591d0c93204f716cda19ee&oe=599F7D70

Are you bringing on homemade pureed foods or commercial?

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There is no such thing as "packing light" with a baby, let alone 2! You will need to bring ALL the "baby specific" stuff that you need...diapers, wipes, formula, and ANY and all pediatric meds you might need. The ship doesn't sell any of that stuff.

 

A stroller (or 2) is a MUST..lots and lots of walking on the ship, and in ports!

 

Aside from having to bring all you need, it's really no different than any other vacation...do what you normally do on a daily basis, and all is good!

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There is a Family Cruising board here under Special Interest Cruising. there you will get lots of advice about cruising with babies, and there are several who have done so with twins. One woman cruised solo (widow) with 13 mo/o twins. Two of your challenges will be fitting two cribs in anything smaller than a Grand Suite, and bathing the babies without a tub. EM

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Yes, you read that right. InfantS.

 

 

 

My husband and I booked a 5 day cruise, heading to the Bahamas in mid-October and we're taking our will-be one year old twins with us! We're also bringing the grandparents since this will be our first official vacation since we had the babies.

 

 

 

I would love any and all reviews, suggestions, and tips from people who are just as insane as us to bring their one year olds on a cruise.

 

 

 

Things I'm looking for: What's one thing you wish you had brought? Or wish you didn't bring? Tips on packing light. The kind of stroller you brought. Are we insane to bring them off the ship?

 

 

 

Just some background, which might be helpful:

 

 

 

They were born prematurely, so I don't know if they'll be fully switched over to milk yet, so we're prepared to bring bottles and formula (our breastfeeding journey ended recently and our frozen BM stash is almost gone). We've already ordered bottled water to use. We'll also bring pureed food; just don't know how much at this point since they should be eating some finger foods by then (fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, dry cereal).

 

 

 

They are VERY well behaved, happy go lucky babies, so I don't see any problems or feel nervous about much. They are on a pretty good, semi-flexible schedule and we plan to stick with it as best as we can on the ship (we got YTD). Their enjoyment and happiness comes first; laying out on the lido, drinking a Corona light comes second.

 

 

 

Thanks in advance for your response!

 

 

 

Here are the loves of our lives, that we're pretty sure are going to be Platinum cruisers by the time they're 10 years old *fingers crossed*.

 

18342422_10104148537020606_78116240272912908_n.jpg?oh=b5ff04ad64591d0c93204f716cda19ee&oe=599F7D70

 

 

Congratulations on those two adorable little babies!! I think introducing them to travel early will lead to a lifetime of fantastic family vacations. Pack like any other vacation and look at some parent specific threads as a previous poster suggested. I've never cruised Disney but have a couple booked. I'm told they have tubs in the rooms vs only showers. This may help for future cruising. Above all else, have a blast and enjoy those sweet babies! It goes too fast. We've travelled with ours since they were less than one year of age and now at 7 and 10 they ask "when is our next trip?" Lol. Have a great cruise!!

 

 

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They are adorable! We took our 9 month old last summer and taking her again in 2 weeks at 1.5! The staff is amazing with littles they absolutely adore them!!! Every night at dinner they had her fruit plate ready when we arrive :)

I will say she didn't enjoy the stroller on the ship she wanted to walk. if she fell asleep during a show or something I would just hold her/carry her! Off the ship we used a stroller or ergo... we didn't do any excursions that required a taxi bc I was a little to nervous without a car seat! So we enjoyed resorts/beaches within walking distance! I will agree with above don't over pack on the food or toys! I did take plenty of diapers and wipes and baby meds if anything might happen! We had a good trip and look forward to doing it again :)) I did take pretty close to the right amount of formula and only a few bottles so I could keep up with them/keep them clean regularly! I will say they have like 1-2 changing tables on the whole ship so I did lots of changing in corners bc I wasn't going all the way back to our room.

I would usually enjoy the lido while she was napping with daddy and I would take her to bed after the shows and he would enjoy his casino time :)) it was definitely a different trip but I wouldn't change it for the world!!!

 

 

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Check out the family board here. There is a single woman here who has been on MANY cruises with her twins, starting when they were about 6 months old.

I've cruised with an infant and toddlers several times, love it!

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If they are on milk, room service can bring you warm milk at night. If they will take room temperature milk, leave some out at night and it will be room temperature in the morning. In a pinch, fill your ice bucket with hot water and put the bottle in to make it a bit warmer.

 

Oh and they are adorable!

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Just got back from a cruise with our 13 month old. It was great!

 

Finding food on the ship was easy. Anyone and everyone was more then happy to get us what we needed. We used a lot of room service for breakfast just to keep things quick and ate every night in the main dining room. We brought his straw sippy cups and he drank whole milk or water with every meal.

 

The hardest thing for us was the naps. We got a room with a balcony so we could sit outside while baby was sleeping. That part was awesome. We always put in the Do Not Disturb sign for nap time, but that sometimes backfired. When someone needed our attention and the sign was in the door, they would call on the phone so we would let them in. So we started unplugging the phone too!

 

Bring a small wash basin and dish soap to wash the bottles/cups every night. That wasn't particularly fun, but it quickly just turned into our nightly routine.

 

You aren't crazy at all! It was the best vacation for us!

 

 

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Just got back from a cruise with our 13 month old. It was great!

 

Finding food on the ship was easy. Anyone and everyone was more then happy to get us what we needed. We used a lot of room service for breakfast just to keep things quick and ate every night in the main dining room. We brought his straw sippy cups and he drank whole milk or water with every meal.

 

The hardest thing for us was the naps. We got a room with a balcony so we could sit outside while baby was sleeping. That part was awesome. We always put in the Do Not Disturb sign for nap time, but that sometimes backfired. When someone needed our attention and the sign was in the door, they would call on the phone so we would let them in. So we started unplugging the phone too!

 

Bring a small wash basin and dish soap to wash the bottles/cups every night. That wasn't particularly fun, but it quickly just turned into our nightly routine.

 

You aren't crazy at all! It was the best vacation for us!

 

 

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Awesome, thank you!

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We are taking a family thanksgiving cruise. 7 cabins. 3 generations. I have been doing research for my sister because my nephew will only be 8 months at the time of the cruise. We found a baby blow up bathtub at Aldi for $4.99. If you don't have an Aldi store, Amazon sells some a little higher priced

 

 

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Things I'm looking for: What's one thing you wish you had brought? Or wish you didn't bring? Tips on packing light. The kind of stroller you brought. Are we insane to bring them off the ship?

 

We've already ordered bottled water to use. We'll also bring pureed food; just don't know how much at this point since they should be eating some finger foods by then (fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, dry cereal).

 

They are darling! Mine are pictured on their first cruise at 13 months. It was the first good break I got as a twin mom, and I bet you'll feel the same way. To answer your questions - bring more than enough diapers and wipes. Bring any over the counter medicine they may need, as well as a thermometer (by the way, the medical centers on board have been wonderful when we needed them). You want a tandem stroller, not side-by-side. Bring extra bottles, etc since they can get dropped/lost. Disposable bibs with the pockets. I also brought disposable mats for under their high chairs so it would be easier to clean up after them for the poor dining room staff. I'm afraid there's no packing light, but the up-side is that you come back with a lot less than you bring (diapers, etc.) and their clothes are tiny. With diapers I always just put a luggage tag on a box of diapers and checked it onto the ship at the curb (have a good supply in your diaper bag in case the luggage takes awhile to be delivered).

 

There will be plenty for them to eat. In addition to what you mention, pasta, the meat/veggies from inside soups, etc. I had a case of baby food and didn't open one jar. The water on board is fine for mixing formula (I used formula for ports and ordered room service milk for mornings/evenings). A blow up tub is great for baths and play, but you can also sponge bathe them in the shower.

 

I suggest every meal in the dining room. It's so nice to sit and have a meal without getting up and down. A few times I had to leave because one of them was getting fussy, but for the most part, all the activity and constant food meant I could actually finish my meals. The twins would be messing about with their ice cream while I finished my entree and then if I wanted dessert, I would take them to the buffet and grab one there.

 

There are a number of us here who have cruised successfully with young twins. We had such a good time our first cruise, that we pretty much exclusively cruised until they were 8. Mine are 12 now and they are amazing travelers, having gone lots of places I was told would be too difficult to enjoy - Egypt, African safari, Turkey, etc. I think their early start helped immensely with their ability to go with the flow and handle the changes and patience travels require.

 

Happy to answer any questions. Have a great time!

 

Best,

Mia

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We are taking a family thanksgiving cruise. 7 cabins. 3 generations. I have been doing research for my sister because my nephew will only be 8 months at the time of the cruise. We found a baby blow up bathtub at Aldi for $4.99. If you don't have an Aldi store, Amazon sells some a little higher priced

 

 

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Yes! We have a few Aldi stores in the area. Thanks for the tip because the ones on Amazon and Target are at least double!

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They are darling! Mine are pictured on their first cruise at 13 months. It was the first good break I got as a twin mom' date=' and I bet you'll feel the same way. To answer your questions - bring more than enough diapers and wipes. Bring any over the counter medicine they may need, as well as a thermometer (by the way, the medical centers on board have been wonderful when we needed them). You want a tandem stroller, not side-by-side. Bring extra bottles, etc since they can get dropped/lost. Disposable bibs with the pockets. I also brought disposable mats for under their high chairs so it would be easier to clean up after them for the poor dining room staff. I'm afraid there's no packing light, but the up-side is that you come back with a lot less than you bring (diapers, etc.) and their clothes are tiny. With diapers I always just put a luggage tag on a box of diapers and checked it onto the ship at the curb (have a good supply in your diaper bag in case the luggage takes awhile to be delivered).

 

There will be plenty for them to eat. In addition to what you mention, pasta, the meat/veggies from inside soups, etc. I had a case of baby food and didn't open one jar. The water on board is fine for mixing formula (I used formula for ports and ordered room service milk for mornings/evenings). A blow up tub is great for baths and play, but you can also sponge bathe them in the shower.

 

I suggest every meal in the dining room. It's so nice to sit and have a meal without getting up and down. A few times I had to leave because one of them was getting fussy, but for the most part, all the activity and constant food meant I could actually finish my meals. The twins would be messing about with their ice cream while I finished my entree and then if I wanted dessert, I would take them to the buffet and grab one there.

 

There are a number of us here who have cruised successfully with young twins. We had such a good time our first cruise, that we pretty much exclusively cruised until they were 8. Mine are 12 now and they are amazing travelers, having gone lots of places I was told would be too difficult to enjoy - Egypt, African safari, Turkey, etc. I think their early start helped immensely with their ability to go with the flow and handle the changes and patience travels require.

 

Happy to answer any questions. Have a great time!

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

Thank you so much! This is all wonderful and useful information. My husband is defending worried about them traveling in a plane at this age but was cool with the cruise. I want them to be world travelers like us before we had them. I know they will be! It'll just take my husband a little longer to realize they can go anywhere we can go 😉

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We cruised with friends and their 1-year-old (plus 5 other kids age 7-11) last summer on Royal Caribbean. Before the cruise we had requested from dining services that we have a table in a corner. That way, when the little one got fussy near the end of dinner, we could let him out of the high chair to crawl around without disturbing other diners.

 

The first night my friend asked for a plate of fruit for the baby, and after that the dining staff had it waiting when we arrived at the table. That way he could start eating while we ordered.

 

We spent much of our port time at a beach or walking around town. The little one was strapped in a carrier or in a stroller. He napped well - in the carrier, cuddled on dad's chest on a shady lounge chair near the pool, cuddled on mom at the beach, cuddled on me at the end of dinner, etc.

 

My friends did bring a car seat with them for the taxi ride to one of our excursions...but they had to wait for a taxi with seatbelts.

 

It sounds like you are going on Disney? I did that with a toddler, and I was happy to find out that they streamed the shows live on tv. When my kid was sleeping, I could pull the curtain shut and watch the show. Not quite as exciting as being in the theater, but I got to see it!

 

I think cruising with littles is probably the easiest way to have a relaxing family vacation.

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  • 3 weeks later...
We cruised with friends and their 1-year-old (plus 5 other kids age 7-11) last summer on Royal Caribbean. Before the cruise we had requested from dining services that we have a table in a corner. That way, when the little one got fussy near the end of dinner, we could let him out of the high chair to crawl around without disturbing other diners.

 

The first night my friend asked for a plate of fruit for the baby, and after that the dining staff had it waiting when we arrived at the table. That way he could start eating while we ordered.

 

We spent much of our port time at a beach or walking around town. The little one was strapped in a carrier or in a stroller. He napped well - in the carrier, cuddled on dad's chest on a shady lounge chair near the pool, cuddled on mom at the beach, cuddled on me at the end of dinner, etc.

 

My friends did bring a car seat with them for the taxi ride to one of our excursions...but they had to wait for a taxi with seatbelts.

 

It sounds like you are going on Disney? I did that with a toddler, and I was happy to find out that they streamed the shows live on tv. When my kid was sleeping, I could pull the curtain shut and watch the show. Not quite as exciting as being in the theater, but I got to see it!

 

I think cruising with littles is probably the easiest way to have a relaxing family vacation.

 

 

 

Question.... what did your friends do with the car seat while at the excursion? I'm trying to decide what to do for our cruise in August with a 11 month old. Thinking of an excursion to a resort. Wondering if the resort would hold our car seat or something.

 

 

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Oh boy reading this thread has made me feel SO much better about cruising with my 1.5 year old in another month! I was beginning to feel panicky about all the things to bring but I think I will calm down now. Bless you for traveling with twins! I have the one toddler and I'm like ahhh so much stuff! I also have an overgrown man-child of a husband that I need to pack and care for as well ;P

 

I was considering those noise cancelling headphones for at shows? Only because if he falls asleep after dinner, I don't want loud noises to wake him if we both want to be out...we are going with a large group of family so I'm sure we will have babysitters SOMEtimes but I don't want to depend on them every night. Any thoughts on them? Or am I being just too crazy?

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We last cruised with 1 yo twins, a 3 yo, and an 8 yo. My recommendations... If on formula you can contact the special needs department and receive bottled water. You may be able to put coffee tables in the closet to make room for an extra pack n play. If you are dining in the MDR ask your table mates if it is ok if you request no waiting for your party between courses or if you are at your own table you can request this from the servers. Meals can drag on a bit longer than little ones can tolerate, especially if you have already waited a half an hour for table mates to arrive. Ask for dessert to be sent to your room to cut down on time if the kids become restless. The previously mentioned blow up tub can often be used pool side to let your twins have a bit of splash time, there are few ships with baby splash pads. I have also paid for my Mom to go on the cruise before, an extra set of hands makes a huge difference. Since she is not a night owl, she didn't mind occasionally watching the kids. We didn't chain her to them, but one or two adult meals alone was nice. I personally found camp carnival unsatisfactory for younger kids, it is so late at night it is not worth it.

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I will say they have like 1-2 changing tables on the whole ship so I did lots of changing in corners bc I wasn't going all the way back to our room.

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That is inconsiderate and absolutely disgusting. Please do NOT change your baby's dirty diaper anywhere other than a bathroom or your cabin. Why should other people have to smell that because you're too lazy to walk back to you cabin?

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That is inconsiderate and absolutely disgusting. Please do NOT change your baby's dirty diaper anywhere other than a bathroom or your cabin. Why should other people have to smell that because you're too lazy to walk back to you cabin?

 

Hi Sandie - your auto-correct messed up. I think you meant to say, "Is there a reason you can't walk all the way back to your cabin to change the diaper? Perhaps there is a better alternative, my fine fellow cruisecritic member?"

 

The best thing for all involved (baby, parent, fellow passengers) is to not transport a crying baby with a poopy diaper through public areas, onto the elevator, past passenger cabins. The best thing is to handle as quickly and discretely as possible. That's what a thoughtful parent does. Thank you thoughtful parent!

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