Pirate927

Hi everyone,

We are looking at an Alaska cruise for our family in July or August, probably with Royal Caribbean (Ovation) or Norwegian (Jpy) but open to any other suggestions. We consistently run into one stumbling block, though: The pool. Our 5 year old daughter LOVES the pool and the waterslides, etc whether we are on a ship or at a resort. We think being on a ship with pools she can't use might be tough for her. We assume it is just too cold to use the pools extensively or at all on these Alaska cruises.

But, we want to be sure. So how are the pools, slides, etc. handled on these Alaska cruises in July or August? Are they open and you just swim cold if you want? Are they closed and covered? Any info from recent experience would be great. Thank you!

PS - We have done Disney Cruises in the past, but for Alaska it is just out of our budget this time. 

Hey everyone,

I asked this on another forum but was advised it may get better results here...

I am actively trying to plan a cruise for Summer 2018 and having trouble settling on one choice. The debate goes on and on in my mind. My wife and I will be sailing with our daughter who will have just turned 5 when we sail. She LOVES the pool and water slides, so finding one that will be most fun for her is a priority. In the past we did a couple Disney cruises and loved those but are looking at a smaller budget now.

I think I have narrowed it down to three options at this point:

1. Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas

2. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

3. Norwegian Getaway

They each seem to have their own advantages, whether is is Splshaway Bay, more kid-friendly dining, a carousel, etc. and it seems hard to see exactly what is available on each ship during the day.

For a little extra info, she is 42" now and probably 45" by July when we hope to sail... since height restrictions factor in. Also, we do not use the kids clubs where you drop them off. Since we are so busy during our normal life we try to focus on the things we can do together while on vacation or cruising. She is just in that tricky spot where she gets bored with kids play areas that are "too little" and wants a bigger pool, bigger slide, etc but is not ready for the full size fun just yet.

If anyone has any thoughts on what ship will be most entertaining for her... or if you want to point me to another one that I may have not considered yet... I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I am actively trying to plan a cruise for Summer 2018 and having trouble settling on one choice. My wife and I will be sailing with our daughter who will have just turned 5 when we sail. She LOVES the pool and water slides, so finding one that will be most fun for her is a priority. In the past we did a couple Disney cruises and loved those but are looking at a smaller budget now.

I think I have narrowed it down to three at this point:

1. Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas (Splashaway Bay looks great!)

2. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

3. Norwegian Getaway

For a little extra info, she is 42" now and probably 45" by July when we hope to sail... since height restrictions factor in. Also, we do not use the kids clubs where you drop them off. Since we are so busy during our normal life we try to focus on the things we can do together while on vacation or cruising. She is just in that tricky spot where she gets bored with kids play areas that are "too little" and wants a bigger pool, bigger slide, etc but is not ready for the full size fun just yet.

If anyone has any thoughts on what ship will be most entertaining for her... or if you want to point me to another one that I may have not considered yet... I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

Thanks again everyone! We wound up booking the cruise and can't wait! We actually opted for the Eastern itinerary in the end. Your feedback was so helpful and hugely appreciated. =)

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Just want to say thanks for these replies. So helpful to hear each testimonial as we plan and make some decisions here. You're the best!

My wife and I are looking at a Disney vacation for summer of 2015 and right now we are leaning towards the 7 night western Caribbean cruise on Disney Fantasy. Our daughter will have just turned two when we go on this cruise. The ports are Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Falmouth, and Castaway Cay.

I've been reading through a lot of reviews and posts and already picked up a lot of information. I understand the pool rules regarding swim diapers, and the nursery situation too, as examples. I am still unsure of the big picture, though.

My wife and I are not planning to drop our daughter off or use childcare in the nursery. We want to have our daughter with at least one of us the whole time. Outside of those staffed nurseries, is there a good selection of activities we can enjoy with our daughter during the day? Play areas, activities, etc, that we can enjoy together? How is the entertainment factor for a two year old on board each day?

Likewise, do shore excursions offer fun options for a two year old? Are there excursions that are designed with cruisers that young in mind? Any feedback on shore time with young toddlers is very helpful.

Finally, any testimonials about the health care are appreciated. Being away from our pediatrician, especially in foreign areas, brings up a little anxiety in case something goes wrong. Any input on the quality of the medical care on board would be helpful and reassuring.

Overall, we just want to feel confident that the days and early evenings with our daughter will be entertaining and safe. We stayed at Animal Kingdom at WDW when she was 9 months old and Disney expertly met all our needs. We are looking at the cruise as a different option, but just have that worry that our daughter might become bored if the entertainment/activity options for her are limited.

Thanks, in advance, for your help. It is greatly appreciated!