Kerry's Girls

Someone else may jump in here with more specific information, but I can offer a little based on my experience cruising with a special needs child (intellectual disability). Cruise lines are VERY in tune with making things easier for kids (and adults) with special needs. On our last cruise there were at least six families with kids on the spectrum. If you contact the special services department of your cruise line you can find out how to arrange to do the life drill in a quieter way (though on our last cruise on Princess it was all done in our cabin); give the kids club a heads up that he's coming (they used to let my daughter age down a group if she would be more comfortable), arrange dining room table in a corner, etc. Also check out Autism at Sea for further tips/info.

Just was on the Jade last summer. It's a fantastic family ship and will be packed with kids your kids' age on a June Alaska cruise. They will have a ball. I think Alaska is the best destination for kids, even more than the Carib. So much to do and explore in each port.

You reported to staff that you didn't think something was safe. That's it. Then it's up to staff to decide if they want to confront parents about what's safe/not safe and allowed/not allowed. A central area will always have more kids. It was sweet of you to be so concerned that you left. I think we all know the feeling of having to choose to move away from other passengers - thankfully lots of other places to go/things to do!

You're right, exactly. You have bring the certified birth certificates to show that the name(s) on the notarized letter match the birth certificate. So passport, certified birth certificate and notarized letter or custody papers, etc.

Glad you're getting the documents. Just want to add for anyone else who follows this thread that just because some people haven't been asked, you could be asked and refused entry if you don't have notarized permission from anyone on the birth certificate who is not traveling. Not all officials are concerned about non-custodial kidnapping, but if you come up against someone who is, it could create a huge disappointment and $ loss (lack of required documentation is not a valid reason for insurance coverage). I cruised many times with my kids alone and was asked a few times, including once by passport control as we re-entered the U.S.

You can absolutely cruise at this age and enjoy it. At this age, generally just choose the itinerary you prefer. That said, it's easier to deal with stroller, etc. if you don't have to tender and if the areas you want to explore aren't far from the ship, as often happens with Med ports. I would look at that and then choose more based on which you prefer.

For the cruise you can check as many bags/diaper boxes as you want. If you're asking about the flights, a box of diapers would absolutely count. Definitely pick up a box of diapers, wipes, anything else you might need for the entire trip in Orlando before boarding. Don't expect the ship to have anything - bring your own meds, plastic cups, etc. While there is no water play area for non-potty trained, many parents have brought the little blow up duck tub for splash play on deck - there's always an area away from the pool where you can put one between two lounge chairs. The duck fits nicely in the shower to use as a bath tub as well, then has a suction cup to stick to the wall. Search "monitor" on this board. Many have tried and some have been successful - but I believe it has more to do with how thick the walls, fire doors, etc are so you have to be prepared that it won't work. But I used to put my sleeping toddlers in a stroller, cover with a towel and park them next to me in a lounge or on deck. Bringing little scented bags to dispose diapers will be helpful to you and your room steward.

Princess has connecting obstructed view cabins priced just a little more than inside cabins. That said, their ships have the least bells & whistles. You will def want two connecting cabins, which is generally much less expensive than a suite and then you also have two bathrooms. I have a special needs adult teen and we've been cruising for years because she loves that we can stay on a schedule during a trip and not keep changing beds, restaurants, etc. There were so many special needs/autistic, etc. kids on the last cruise we were on - I think many families have also found cruising works well for them. I would choose where you want to go - if it's during the summer, Alaska is nice because there is so much to do and it's not blazing hot. I would choose an itinerary with minimal sea days as those are hardest to occupy, but also keeping in mind where you're coming from since making the to/from easier is also important.

As others have said, zero chance. Even if he turned 3 during the cruise, he would not be allowed in before. When my daughters were under 3, the kids club allowed one parent to accompany them into the club to play - not sure if that's still the case.

Funny you mention this - the band Topaz on board was wonderful. Best cruise band I've ever seen - enough so that I gave them special mention in the survey. Their appearances were always a party - everyone on their feet dancing.

Just wanted to note that the library has an amazing variety of really good novels/bestsellers, most with multiple copies, including many copies of the new Barbra Streisand just as an example of how current and well-stocked it is. As for the dog - I also saw it a few times and didn't seem to be a trained service dog - had to be pulled on its leash because it would constantly stop to smell or eat something on the ground. That said, it didn't bother us, just surprising. This is the second time I've seen a dog on a cruise, but last time it was definitely a trained working dog.

Same - there was no option to have it shipped to me in Los Angeles, even though there was plenty of time. We do not have the Plus package, but there was no option to pay for shipping - pick up only.

I joined the waitlist for a tour that was sold out before sailing. I heard that they sometimes add space if enough are on the waitlist and we did end up clearing and getting our first choice tour.

I have received the credit multiple times in the past using family cards as long as they also have the offer and the charges are done on each applicable card.

Shoot - mine is spend $700 get 17,500 points - much rather have the $. Don't forget to check your authorized user cards as well. I've often been able to double up on offers using mine and my authorized user card.

Yes, unfortunately cruise ship pools are not set up for swimmers in diapers (including adults). The water can't be treated the way it is on land, so any accident closes the pool for everyone (I think for 24 hours). But it's easy to avoid the pool area and keep busy doing other things. A blow up ball in an empty lounge can be fun. Your 4 year old might like to try the kids club. My kids loved it at that age. In the past, under 3s were allowed to go in with one parent - not sure if that's still the case.

Mom of twins who cruised with them many times as toddlers. I suggest a stroller with a hood for sun protection that leans back for napping. I would bring a double tandem stroller so both can be comfortable - distances and waits can be long on a ship, especially getting on and off and it's nice to have a place for both of the kids to be comfortable. Worst case, the stroller is great to carry water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc. No problem with the tender - they'll lift it on and off. My overall travel advice with toddlers is to never let them get tired or hungry. Naps before dinner help make for a pleasant evening. Bring more diapers and wipes than you think you'll need. I always ordered room service coffee and milk and cereal for the kids while we get ready for breakfast - can you tell I'm all about eliminating whining? In Cabo we always did one of the boat excursions (not a small boat hired at the pier when they're that young). The themed ones with music, etc. are fun for parents and kids. I brought life jackets for my kids to wear getting on and off the tenders and on the pier in Cabo. Weather will be chilly going to and from. Robes to wear to the pool. For non-potty trained, I brought the blow up duck tub. Provides splash play in a quiet area on deck and also fits in the shower for a little bath. Head on over to the family board - they're super helpful.

I joined a waitlist for our #1 choice in Panama for my family and also chose and paid for our #2 choice that was open at the same time. Pretty soon after the cruise final payment date, I received an email that we had cleared the waitlist and had 24 hours to pay for the #1 choice excursion. I went into our accounts (two cabins) and we had been dropped from the 2nd choice and just owed the difference between the two.

There have been instances in the past where one parent travelling with their own children have been turned away at embarkation for lack of proper paperwork. My paperwork has been checked more thoroughly in Canada than almost anywhere else. I wouldn't chance the kids being disappointed at checkin. Obviously all the advice about how easy/cheap notaries in the U.S. don't help you - even in the U.S. the fees vary widely state to state and have nothing to do with how much your grandchildren's parents will pay in Canada. Hope it all works out!

The email I received when I came off the waitlist indicated that if I did not pay for the tour within 24 hours, the excursion would be deleted from my account/cart.

It just happened to me. I waitlisted a tour and also booked another tour for the same time (since I didn't want to end up with nothing). Yesterday I received an email that my party was now booked on the tour I had waitlisted and had 24 hours to pay. I was automatically removed from the other tour. I logged in, paid the difference (the waitlisted tour was $30 more) and now we're on the preferred tour. Also, I have family in a 2nd cabin and had waitlisted them as well and they cleared at the same time. My guess is that we're right around final payment time, so some people are probably cancelling their reservations for this cruise now that it's time to make a decision.

This is what I was thinking would be the case. I'm not getting the Plus package because I'll just pay for our wine so I can share. Thank you!

I know that officially under 21s are not served and probably can't order a drink for themselves at a bar or participate the Plus program, but if you've cruised with a young adult, have they been able to have wine or a cocktail with dinner? My daughters and I have vacationed in Europe the last few times so it's going to be an adjustment to not share a bottle of wine at dinner on our upcoming Panama Canal cruise. We'll all survive of course either way, but just curious if waiters routinely check key cards of young adults before pouring wine.

I'm a mom of twins who flew with them often starting at 5 months old. I have had two car seats on a plane, but car seats can not block someone from exiting a row, so the two seats have to be at the window and middle (or in different rows at the window if you and your husband split up). Some flight attendants will say you can't have the seats next to each other and you can't argue with them - you'd have to then get both on a window. All that said, it would be super uncomfortable for your kids and the people sitting in front of them. Even at 2 years old, my daughter's legs were pushed up against the seat in front of her in an uncomfortable way - I can only imagine even a short 4 year old would be even worse. If it were me, I'd just bring inexpensive booster seats in a duffel for the car ride or do the bus transfer. Two full car seats also take up a lot of room in the cabin.

The map of the ship has proven to be accurate and we've always chosen at least one room that's "between" life boats, so we can see the ocean, but's it's never a clear view. But for us having the separate rooms/2 bathrooms has proven more important than one large room with a good view/balcony - and we're just three! (me and my twin 18 year olds).