Stews2020

On 9/23/2022 at 6:11 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

 

On 10/13/2022 at 3:00 PM, KeroTravel said:

We will be cruising early next year with our 3 year old for the first time and as a practice run (since we've never travelled with him) we just did an All-Inclusive to Punta Cana.  My suggestions for flying:

1.  Pack enough entertainment for the plane.  We took a kaleidoscope, an old digital camera we don't use anymore, mess free markers and colouring books, fidget toys that he had never seen before and of course a tablet loaded with shows he loves (if you little one is a tablet user and has never used headphones, I would recommend getting them used to a pair)

2.  Make sure to take a pillow or something soft for your little one to rest their head.  We we lucky that our flight was during nap time, so he was out for almost half the flight.

3.  Layers of clothing.  Planes can be really cold.

4.  Snacks - we took applesauce pouches, dry cereal, mini cookies, granola, quinoa crackers

5.  Lollipops to help with cabin pressure (we're lucky he didn't feel anything, neither did we actually - there and back)

 

If you've got any beach days planned:

1.  A collapsible pail is great.  Saves you so much space in your luggage.

2.  Puddle jumpers for the water are great, but also a pain to pack.  We got a Speedo Child's Vest (available on Amazon) that was much easier to pack because it was flatter

 

Sorry I can't offer any suggestions for being on a ship, but would love to hear about your experience on the ship with a little one if you're down for sharing.  Have a great time! 

Thank you so much for sharing this info! Every bit helps. We definitely need to practice with the headphones! Collapsible pail is another great idea. We have been working on snack ideas, goldfish, fruit snacks, pouches and mini cookies. Have to get a couple more activities to keep him busy for there and back. Loved the lollipop idea as well. Thank you so much for sharing this. I will definitely share with you once we get back what we found useful on our cruise! 

Punta Cana sounds amazing too! Take care 

Great to know! We've never stayed at one before but that would be super convenient knowing that will always be the case.

On 9/21/2022 at 5:46 PM, Flatbush Flyer said:

Intercontinental - excellent hotel - minutes to the port.

Thank you for this suggestion 

On 9/22/2022 at 2:11 PM, Aquahound said:

 

Not sure if you have any Hilton or Marriott points but 2 great hotels right next to each other are the Hilton Miami Downtown and the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay.  I've stayed in both.  They have great views of the ships and there is a nice strip between them with bars, restaurants, and shops.  

 

And yes, you still get the physical Sea Pass cards.  Enjoy your cruise.  

Thank you so much! That is a great idea I will have to look into our points and see. Love that they're near the port! 

44 minutes ago, mom says said:

You will have a physical sea pass (card or medallion or something similar) depending on which line you are on.

 

For hotels, look on the Florida departure board.

Thanks I will look on there!

We are going on Royal 

We have not been on a cruise for about 4 years now. Wondering do we actually get physical sea passes still? I know we have access in our phones but what if we aren't carrying those around with us? 

Also separate question, but we are sailings of Miami on Freedom next month. Does anyone know a good hotel nearby the Port. Its our first time out of Miami. Thanks 

6 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

You might go to the Royal Caribbean board here, go to the top left of the page where it says See posts about and next to that ‘select ship’.  That gives you a drop down menu where you can select Freedom, and it will show you threads about that ship.  EM

Thank you so much! I will try thay right now.

On 9/12/2022 at 12:18 PM, Itchy&Scratchy said:

I'd start reading this entire subforum, starting with the latest threads, and then ask specific questions. You will get a lot of general info just by reading.

Thanks I will give that a try.

On 9/12/2022 at 7:08 AM, whogo said:

Which ship, which cruise line?

Freedom, Royal

Hi! We are cruising for the first time with our little one (just turned 2) next month and just looking for any pointers or advise to help with the experience. Rather it be related to flying, packing, while on board the ship, ports etc. Open to hear others experiences and insight. Thanks in advance. 

Following this as well. We are going on our first cruise with our 2 year old next month and were looking for any advise or tips as well. Rather it be for packing, flying, on the ship or even the ports. Excited and nervous at the same time. Seems like a lot to bring as little ones needs so much. 

Thanks for this!

We are cruising for the first time with our little one (2 year old) on freedom next month. Any pointers or advise?