jillyoung256

Thanks for the replies! We have a pool and our youngest loves the water, so she would not understand why she was not able to swim when other people were... and I could see some pretty big tantrums happening. It's going to be challenging for my 4 year old as well - all my kids want to do on vacation is swim! That being said, I didn't understand the reason for the rule so I think that we're going to bring a blow up pool and hope for the best. Any suggestions on good excursions for them? We'll definitely want to take advantage of beaches and pools on the ports. Thanks!

We are going to Honduras, Belize and Cozumel. I have already had a very positive experience with the Access Desk and they have cleared several prepackaged snacks as well as a particular milk that we need to bring on board for the baby. I can plan to bring these on shore with us, but I guess I am hoping to figure out something for lunches so we're able to do excursions lasting more than a few hours. I can't really expect my 4 year old to last on granola bars and fruit snacks over lunch time. Suggestions?

Does anyone have experience requesting sack lunches from the ship to take on shore? I've heard this may be an option. Thanks!

How strict is the policy? The 20 month old is toilet trained for BMs but I'd still probably put a swim diaper on her to be safe. What would you all do in this case, one kid who wants to swim and one kid who isn't allowed in a pool and a family that wants to vacation together? I saw that there is a baby pool on our ship with 1ft water. It looks like it's inside.

Hi! I am sailing on the NCL Jade the week after Thanksgiving. My 4 year old and I both have celiac disease, so we need a GF diet. She and her 1 year old sister also have a soy and milk allergy. I have already been in touch with the access desk and they have given my the names of foods on the ship (it's very hard to find gluten/soy free food for them) so I can check ingredients. I know to meet with the chefs at embarkation. What other advice can you share about how to manage this aboard? I am particularly worried about

1) Excursions - did you just pack lunches? How did it stay cool and fresh?

2) Cross contamination with gluten - how did you manage it?

3) What foods would you bring with you on the ship?

Thanks!! :)

Hi! We are sailing on the NCL Jade the week after Thanksgiving 2015 and I have some questions I haven't really been able to figure out sorting through all the other forums. I have a 4 year old and a 20 month old.

1) Kids Club - We don't plan to leave the kids in child care, but we do want to utilize Splash Club. I know the baby can go to the parent/child activities when offered. Will my older daughter be able to join in these activities? Is the kids club open at times where my older daughter can play without being put in a drop off program?

2) Pools - Can my non toilet trained toddler use any of the swimming pools on the ship?! This was a huge surprise to me that babies aren't allowed in the pools! What on earth did you do with young children on "at sea" days? We planned on a LARGE majority of our vacation being spent in and around the pool :( Is there a children's pool where she can swim?

3) Excursions - I want to try as hard as possible NOT to use local transportation because we won't have car seats (and I worry!). I would be more comfortable with a motor coach. What excursions are close to the port? We are also looking for things relatively close and short in length because the baby naps in the afternoon.

- Hondurus: We are planning to do the Maya Key park, which is supposedly a tender ride from the ship and from 8:15-1pm.

- Belize: I can't figure anything out about this port!

- Cozumel: Can we just get off the ship and walk around this area? What beaches would be close and good for little ones?

4) Bedding - we're in a balcony family suite. They said that we would have a pack n play and that the couch is a pullout for my daughter. Does this sound like enough space? Do I need to bring extra bedding? What are your tips for getting everyone to sleep in 1 room when they typically have separate and are very light sleepers :)

5) Packing items - What are those indispensable items that I can't forget to pack?

THANKS SO MUCH! :)