mizzoutiger76

We took our oldest on his first cruise through Carnival and left the two year old at home with grandma and grandpa. Different age range, but there was a couple next to us during evening dining that had their 3 year old with them. She was really good, except for one night where she threw a temper tantrum on the floor. The dining staff was incredible! They showed her magic tricks and managed to get her in her seat and eating quietly.

We'll be taking our now 3 year old this year on his first cruise, but we decided on Disney since there will likely be more kids his age with understanding parents. He's very active and I'm a little concerned, too.

We got our sons passports for our upcoming trip, mainly because going through customs was so much easier with a passport. The passport line was so much shorter. Plus, I think it's pretty cool that they have passports at such a young age :)

It all depends on what kinds of activities you prefer. In Cozumel it's easy and affordable to catch a taxi to a beach. There are several "all inclusives" in Cozumel if that is something you'd be interested in. If you're on a budget, I'd recommend Paradise Beach. For a very low entry fee of $3 pp you have access to their beach, pool, restrooms, and changing rooms. They do want you to spend money on food while you are there but they didnt pressure us at all. Cozumel also has lots of shopping right by the ship. A great place for souvenirs is Los Cinco Soles which is located in the port and also downtown. Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is beautiful and you can easily take a taxi or the bus to one of the resorts or the public beach. I have not been to Ocho Rios so can't advise there.

 

 

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Thanks! If OP doesn't use this information, I definitely am going to :D Thanks for the tip.

My plans are to relax and not be mom as they know me. This means pop and ice cream whenever they want, moms wallet being a little looser, and free roam of the ship at their leisure. They will probably each get a couple cruise related gifts at Christmas and maybe a gift card each for their own on board credits.

 

They are going to get stuck doing the formal night dinner, they don't know that yet but that's my one non-negotiable food related thing.

My first cruise was with my family, I was probably 16. My parents let my siblings and I (all younger) have full run of the ship. We're all pretty shy, so we stuck together most of the time.

My absolute favorite memory of that trip (now nearly 20 years ago) was that all four of us would go out (without our parents) at midnight to get pizza and ice cream. My brother and I, who usually fought like cats and dogs, bonded on that cruise.

I'm taking my oldest on his first cruise in December and my plans are much like yours. Unlimited soda, pizza, dessert and ice cream, an arcade card, looser wallet.....and hopefully a midnight run for pizza ;)