Cruising Carnival Pride in Oct for 1yr old birthday

[drenee73]

We are back on a boat before we know it. We got married on the Freedom a few years ago and have done 2 HAL cruises since then (we're not going back)....

 

We are celebrating our daughter's first birthday aboard the ship.

 

Anyways, we are doing an Oceanview. I hope I don't regret this. (We had a suite on the Freedom and it was NICE and balconies on HAL's boats) It has a flip down lower berth. Does anyone have pictures of this? We're getting a crib but I'm not sure what is going to work best - although I'm sure she will sleep with us most of the time. She co-sleeps a lot at home.

 

What about excursions? Am I really limited to the ones for all ages? I thought we may do a snorkel trip but there's none to speak of. She has her own PFD.... how's that going to work? Will they let her ride on the boat for a snorkel trip?

 

What kind of diapers do they have on board? It may be worth it just to plan to buy them there instead of lugging them onto the boat. We're lugging enough already!

 

Anyone rent a stroller from CC for the week? Good or bad?

 

What kind of hours did they have open family play time in the kids club?

 

I've seen some mention of daycare in the kids club during port days till noon. Is that just for >2 yrs like on normal days?

 

Thanks!

[6rugrats]

I've seen some mention of daycare in the kids club during port days till noon. Is that just for >2 yrs like on normal days?

 

Children under the age of 2 will also be offered babysitting services on Sea Days in the form of a Family Play Time. During this time parents are welcome to stay with their children to play free of charge or if you choose you can leave your kids under 2 with Camp Carnival for the regular babysitting fee. Carnival also offers Port Day Babysitting for your under 2 year old. The early morning port service will begin 15 minutes before the ship's arrival in port until 12pm and for late ports this will be offered during 'free play' times (see your Youth Staff when you arrive on the ship for details).

What kind of diapers do they have on board? It may be worth it just to plan to buy them there instead of lugging them onto the boat. We're lugging enough already!

I've traveled a lot with my children, and one thing I have learned is never to count on finding what you need. Purchase a box of diapers when you arrive and just check them in. I also would bring my own stroller.

 

I don't know about the excursions, but I assume the age limit is there for a reason. Do you need a ship's excursion if you just want to go snorkeling?

[boulders]

When I've looked at the diapers on board, they had the tiniest packages I've ever seen (maybe 5 diapers). Maybe one or two packs were available. The cost was $1-$2 per diaper. I would not count on buying diapers on board or for that matter, anything your dd might need. Bring it all with you. Have extras.

 

Unless one of you plans to stay on board the snorkeling boat, I'd wait to take baby on any snorkeling excursions until she can swim.

[Kerry's Girls]

 

I've traveled a lot with my children, and one thing I have learned is never to count on finding what you need. Purchase a box of diapers when you arrive and just check them in. I also would bring my own stroller.

 

Completely agree with this. I have seen the desperate moms who have run out of diapers with a few days to go on a cruise. We also had a mom on board who thought she would buy diapers in a port before two sea days, and then we missed the port...bring everything you need.

 

All the best,

Mia

[drenee73]

 

Unless one of you plans to stay on board the snorkeling boat, I'd wait to take baby on any snorkeling excursions until she can swim.

 

That was kind of my thought - let DH and M-I-L enjoy snorkel adventure while baby girl and I hang on the boat. They are both feeling like they don't want to do an excursion and leave me and the baby behind on the boat. I'm good with that. They feel guilty that I won't have as much fun. But I will... watching DD experience new things is always fun!

 

Thanks for the hint on diapers. I'll come prepared.