Luvsdaislands

We will be catching the Amtrak from DC to Newark Penn, I see there is a Hilton Hotel that is very nearby the hotel.  Is there any other hotels in that area?  Are there restaurants and wine stores close by? 

Thank you for your response.

Hello,

I will be cruising with my daughter next year on Carnival going to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel, she has a Passport and has travelled outside of the country twice with not problems and without needing a consent letter. I was planning on bringing her original birth certificate along with her passport because her father is not listed on the birth certificate.

Has anyone cruised and not had a consent letter? If you don't have contact with the other parent, did you bring a letter stating that?

Bumping this up because I also want to know what 2497 looks like and the actual obstruction. Maybe someone has some pictures to share now that it has been a few sailings?

I completely disagree that the ship doesn't matter.

 

DH and I took our 20 month old on her first cruise in December, and she'll be almost 3 for our next cruise.

 

We looked specifically for things that would interest toddlers. For example, several Carnival ships have Waterworks with small slides that toddlers can use (if potty trained, of course). That's much more appealing for my kiddo than just pools full of people.

 

I think Seuss at Sea has rolled out to all the Carnival ships, but not all of them have Bookville.

 

We also looked for ships where there are more public areas that I think my daughter would enjoy. Giving her a little bit of space to runaround away from the crowds was really great on our previous cruise. (That one was on Oasis of the Seas, mostly because they have a splash area for diapered kids, a nursery, a dedicated baby/toddler playroom for kids and parents, the carousel, and toddler-friendly shows. We always found one of the slow areas of the ship and let the kiddo walk around without getting in people's way.)

 

We also found that we wouldn't cruise with a kiddo unless we have a balcony. Sitting outside while she napped was really nice.

 

Take a look at the family board. There are some good reviews, packing lists, tips for dining, etc. over there.

I never considered the waterslides, thank you!! and Oasis... that's on RC correct? I will check them out also.

Do you have copies of the FunTimes?

Thank you all...i am taking notes.

Regarding the single parent discount question...some resorts will discount your room if you are traveling as a single person or a single parent with a child under 12. Instead of paying the full price for a double room the resort will charge you for one person and half or 75%. I was just wondering if Carnival did the same. Thank you all for your responses.

I do have a sturdy umbrella stroller...but I just took a look at the Summer Infant 3D and I LIKES!! Carry strap, recliner looks easy and the fold up looks easy too!!!

Hello All,

I will be crusing solo with my 3 year old daughter next April, I am leaning towards the Carnival Valor. Is the Valor a good ship for a 3 year old's first cruise? Are there discounts for single parents? Any advice, tips, packing lists? Basically just tell me any and everything I might need to know :) :)

She has a passport and has flown and travelled outside of the U.S. before. This is not MY first cruise but it is for her.

Thank you!!!

Great review and pictures!!! I am just staring my research for my trip in 2015 for my 45th bday. Your report is a great kickstart for me!!!

5 things that I MUST have other than the norm....money, clothes, toiletries, etc.

Maalox (I have a sensitive tummy :o )

Aloe Vera Gel (soothes sunburns)

Camera

First Aid Kit

My journal and writing pen