Advice for cruising with an almost 4 year old??

[Dreamin' of Palm Trees]

Hi Everyone! My husband and I have cruised a few times and this time we've decided to make it a family vacation, which means our daughter will be with us. She will be turning 4 while we are on vacation. I'm a little nervous & a lot excited to bring her with us. Does anyone who has cruised with their kids have any advice for us, or do's & dont's that may help make things go smootly? Thank-you!! :)

[goofygal531]

If your ship doesn't have a water park, bring a lifevest for her to use in the pool.

 

It sounds silly, but bendable straws & disposable cups with lids were a lifesaver! They don't have plastic cups in the dining room, my son would spill his water goblet every night!

 

Bring their favorite snacks to keep in the cabin and a few small toys.

[Dreamin' of Palm Trees]

Thank-you so much. That is exactly the kind of advice I was hoping for.

[tdh8359]

I took a cruise with my kids ranging from 21 to 27, most stressful cruise I've ever been on. My advice is to leave kids at home and go alone, I guess you can take your spouse but that can get stressful also.:D

[tracyanns]

Coloring books and crayons or any little things that she enjoys like that will be helpful during down time in the cabin. Some goggles for the pools as they are salt water. Swimmies are always good. Pack some Swimear or something similar from the pharmacy incase she gets water in her ears...you don't need an ear infection on vacation!

 

Not sure if you are going to introduce her to Camp Carnival but it would be a good idea to get her excited about it by talking about now...tell her about great place that mommy and daddy wanted to go to but they will only let the kids in and tell her about all the special things they do there just for the kids.

 

If your daughter likes to drink milk, grab a few in the AM out of the buffet and put in your cabin refrigerator, it is not easy to find at other times of the day.

 

If you venture off the ship with her at the ports, grab a box or 2 of fruit loops or something like that to take along for a snack for her.

 

I found one of the FAVORITE things of my kids when traveling when younger...not sure if your daughter likes to take pictures but we gave them our older digital cameras when we bought new ones and they thought it was awesome being able to take their own pics...not that they turn out right, but it was special to them and they had something to occupy them.

 

Have fun! And don't worry, while it is a different cruise with the kids, it is an awesome one! Don't be afraid to use the babysitting at night for mom and dad time if she will go, they do a great job with them.

[ffmikey]

Hi, we just got back from a 10-day B2B cruise on the Miracle. Our DD had her family and 3 1/2 yo daughter. This was GD first cruise. We had a room across from theirs so she could, and did, stay with us as well. I'm in the process of doing the review now, with pictures.

 

Anyway, advice.... First of all, don't do the late seating. We did and she got tired after all the activities of the day. She slept at the table pretty much every night. As for the kids menu, she pretty much did the cheese burger and fries every meal in the MDR.

 

Camp Carnival staff was great. All four adults were able to check her in/out of CC. A single phone was issued for who ever had her in case of an issue. She did not spend a lot of time there, but seemed to enjoy it while she was there.

 

She wanted to play on the water slide but did not meet the height requirements. So, we basically avoided the back of the ship... out of sight, out of mind. Maybe next time. She played in the mid-ship pools on all the days it was warm.

 

The photographers on the ship loved her. We all dressed on the "formal" nights. Again, pics are in the review.

 

She did like playing putt-putt golf. The ship had a putter that fit her perfectly.

 

I will check this thread again later on, if you have any specific questions, let me know. I will do my best to answer them.

[CruisingSoon88]

We took our then 2 and 5 year olds on their first cruise last year. They loved it and so did we. For us it was a perfect blend of a family vacation and DH and I still got plenty of alone time. Our kids loved camp so we would take them there for a little while in the afternoons and go to the spa. We had early dinner, so our kids just never had time to take a nap. The majority of nights they would sleep through dinner. This was fine because our waiter would give us their food to go. We would go back to the room and they would eat and be ready to go again. It was back to camp and to the casino for us! I would just say go with the flow. Our plans for the day didn't always go exactly as we expected, but that was fine. We even took them to tea. They loved it! Our kids do very well when they aren't on their normal schedule. Some parents seem to get themselves all worked up because meal or naptimes are not as usual. As I said, just relax and enjoy your vacation!

[RivieraMaya]

I'm taking my 18mo old and my 4yr old in 10 days. I've never cruised but I'm approching it like I would any other vacation. For the baby I pack her clothing in a plastic gallon bag with set of clothing, 4 diapers and a swim diaper. That way in the morning there is no wondering what clothing matches what. I take the clothing out and stick everything else in the diaper bag.

I packed some juice boxes on my carry on but I'm not sure they will allow me to take them on the boat. I'm taking extra gallon bags, take and toss cups, some take and toss bowls and silverware. That way if we are getting off the boat for an excursion I have something to put some food in. I'm packing 2 bottles of sunscreen (one for a diaper bag and one for the room). I packed a small bottle of dish soap so I can rinse out and containers.

 

I purchased a portable DVD player so that in the dining room my kids can watch TV on a low volume setting. I have heard meals take a while and if your 4 yr old is like mine, it takes him 5 minutes to eat. I also have activity books and coloring books for those times too.

 

I packed enough clothing for 11 days even though it's a 7 day cruise.

 

My 4 yr old will be going to camp carnival

[beckyjohns]

We've cruised with our 4-year old twins many times. Like others said, schedules pretty much go out the window on the cruise. We live on schedules at home, but I've found that no matter how much you plan your days in hopes of keeping to a schedule, something always goes awry on a ship. Let them nap whenever they can! At home, we don't let naps get too late because they won't sleep at night. On a cruise, we take it when we can!

 

On the first day, go to the Lido buffet and get a whole stack of plastic cups for your room. Each night at dinner, bring one with you to the dining room and leave it there after the meal. Plastic comes are impossible to find in the dining room! Also, if they drink milk with dinner, grab a bunch from the buffet in the morning and put them in the fridge. Bring one with you to dinner. While the waiters are very helpful and will get milk (in a glass) in the dining room, it usually ends up taking forever to get in, which means upset kids!!

[hfitzger]

Hi Everyone! My husband and I have cruised a few times and this time we've decided to make it a family vacation' date=' which means our daughter will be with us. She will be turning 4 while we are on vacation. I'm a little nervous & a lot excited to bring her with us. Does anyone who has cruised with their kids have any advice for us, or do's & dont's that may help make things go smootly? Thank-you!! :)[/quote']

 

My son celebrated his 8th birthday last year on embarkation day (which also happened to be Easter). I ordered the cabin birthday decorations and a birthday cake from Bon Voyage for him.

 

Although I initially balked at spending $35 for decorations and was going to bring my own, I'm glad I ordered them (also meant I didn't have hang them!)... They were very nice and the entire room was decked out. It was such a pleasant surprise when we opened the door to our cabin upon boarding! We kept them up and enjoyed them for the whole cruise and when packing up to leave I took them with us. Now on every birthday we've had in the family since, I put up the Carnival birthday decorations to decorate the house and it brings back memories of his cruise birthday.

 

The cake was much cheaper-- think there are two sizes, either $7.95 or $9.95 in either white or chocolate. It was delivered at dinner on the night I specified, and since the kids had already ordered dessert (I hadn't told them about the surprise cake), they boxed it up for us to take back to the cabin.

(None of us realized until we got home and looked at the pictures that they forgot to put the "a" in "birthday"!)

 

[Smithkids5521]

I agree with what the others have mentioned- my DD had just turned 4 before our first cruise. We made sure to bring her favorite stuffed animal to help her feel more at home (sock monkey), a school bag of favorite toys to keep her occupied (barbies, my little pony, coloring books, etc). I also brought a portable DVD player and some DVD's...she would love to watch Dora or Backyardagins while I got dressed for the day. The plastic cup/sippy cup is also a great idea...if you forget to grab a milk/chocolate milk from the buffet- room service will bring you some. I would always order a couple of extras to keep in the fridge. Makes for a great bedtime snack- a cookie from the buffet and a glass of milk! :)

 

I also advise bringing a night light- it really helped if she woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom for her to see her surroundings (nothing good about having your child wake up scared because they don't recognise where they are...:()

 

The googles/life jacket for the pool is also a good idea...

Enjoy your cruise!! :D

[adschmad]

Just got back last month from a cruise with my husband and our 3 children, ages 7, 5, & 2. My big suggestion is to use Camp Carnival. Our children LOVED it! Our 2 year old cried the first couple times we dropped him off, but after those times he was requesting to go to "Cap Carmel" as he called it.

Suggestions to bring:

1. Ziplock bags, bring several gallon & quart sizes. Great for wet/stinky/soiled clothing, snacks, sand souvenir, etc.

2. Bandaids, neosporin

3. Children's tylenol & ibuprofen (we like the chewables)

4. Candied ginger (in the spice aisle)--helps with motion sickness, yes kids can get it.

5. Goggles (ship pools are salt water & sting the eyes)

6. Some select favorite, but smaller toys & activity books--good for dinners & downtime in the cabin

7. Bring beach/water shoes, especially if you are taking her off the boat at ports. Ours just wore their beach shoes off the ship and were fine.

8. Pop up laundry bag--the round ones found at Walmart fit well in one of the closets

9. Soft sided cooler, no bigger than 12x12x12....great to keep juice & drinks cold and to bring to the beach at ports of call.

10. Bottled water, juice, soda (the bag you pack this in will work great to pack your souvenirs in when you are disembarking).

11. Night light, alarm clock, small flashlight, extra batteries

12. Over the door shoe organizer--put toys, glasses, sunglasses, etc in and keep out of hands way.

13. "Tide to go" stain remover pen

14. Purex Complete 3 in 1 Laundry Sheets--in case you need to wash some clothes & don't want to wait for the wash & fold special.

 

 

Before leaving....

1. I pre-packaged my children's clothing by days in a ziplock bag & labeled each day. Don't forget a couple warmer outfits, some evenings and areas of the ship can be cool.

2. REMEMBER TO BRING THE CHILD'S ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE or their passport.

3. Pack a carryon to bring with you on the ship that has 1 day's clothing for each of you, activity book/toys, your swimsuits, child's goggles, & sunscreen. If you cannot get in your room, you will want this because if your child is anything like ours, the first thing they wanted to do was swim.

 

While on board...

1. Carnival will say your room will not be ready until 1:30. I suggest going to your room as soon as you board and seeing if it is ready. Many of the rooms are ready long before 1:30 and you will be able to drop off any carry-on items your brought.

2. We figured out it was much easier for my husband & I to eat while our children were in Camp Carnival, then go get our kiddos to eat after we were finished. But then, we have 3 and navigating a buffet with 3 kiddos can be a nightmare.

3. Do take her to see the shows! I was surprised, by my kids (even my 2 year old son) sat through the shows on the ship.

4. If your child has favorite foods she likes to eat regularly, let your waiter in the MDR know. They are usually great about having those items ready when you show up to eat dinner. Or you can let her eat dinner with her friends in Camp Carnival (which is REALLY nice!).

5. Watch for the wash & fold special which is usually offered on the 3rd or 4th day. It's $15 for 1 laundry bag of clothes. I rolled up the clothes individually and was able to fit 3 bags worth in that 1 bag. If you plan on this, you shouldn't need more than 1 carry-on sized bag per person. Here is a link that has a video of a great way to pack a carry-on and get TONS of stuff in it....

6. Take naps!

7. Grab milks from the buffet each morning and store in your room on the soft-sided cooler you bring. If you are out of milk and your child needs some, there is a thermos of milk every night by the coffee machines.

8. Prepare for your child to have withdrawals and want pizza and ice cream for breakfast when you are back home. Yep, we let our kiddos indulge in pizza & ice cream several mornings.

 

We had a wonderful time and our children are requesting to go on another cruise soon. We gave them a choice of a cruise or Disney World next year, and they've chosen cruising. It's addictive & fun even for the little ones!:)

[adschmad]

Here is the link for the family cruise forum here on CC

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=49

 

There is Tons of helpful info I gathered before we went on our cruise.

[Dreamin' of Palm Trees]

She wanted to play on the water slide but did not meet the height requirements. So, we basically avoided the back of the ship... out of sight, out of mind. Maybe next time. She played in the mid-ship pools on all the days it was warm.

 

Just curious, how particular are they on the height requirement? We'll be on the Valor and I see that the requirement is 42". It is quite possible that she is going to be VERY close to 42".

[tracyanns]

She wanted to play on the water slide but did not meet the height requirements. So' date=' we basically avoided the back of the ship... out of sight, out of mind. Maybe next time. She played in the mid-ship pools on all the days it was warm. [/i']

 

Just curious, how particular are they on the height requirement? We'll be on the Valor and I see that the requirement is 42". It is quite possible that she is going to be VERY close to 42".

 

They are VERY particular. If she is not 42" or higher she will probably not get on. We see them turn away kids on every cruise we have been on...

 

If only that were particular about enforcing the NO DIAPERS IN THE POOL rule...!

[beckyjohns]

She wanted to play on the water slide but did not meet the height requirements. So' date=' we basically avoided the back of the ship... out of sight, out of mind. Maybe next time. She played in the mid-ship pools on all the days it was warm. [/i']

 

Just curious, how particular are they on the height requirement? We'll be on the Valor and I see that the requirement is 42". It is quite possible that she is going to be VERY close to 42".

 

VERY! My boys were about 41 1/2" and we thought they'd be fine. Waited in line only to be told "no" at the top!

[Lady_Jag]

My daughter was 3 when we first sailed on the Glory almost 3 years ago. She's going on her 6th cruise this June.

 

The night before you go into port, fill out the breakfast card for cereal he next morning. Those individual boxes make great snacks while in port...espcially if your little one is picky like mine!

 

Sunscreen, sunscreen sunscreen! And a hat and sunglasses!

 

My daughter loves to order room service, and if it gets her to eat, then I'm all for it too. They offer pbj and grilled cheese, which you can take to the Lido with you so you can all have lunch together. The deli also makes grilled cheese and the pizzeria has cheese pizza.

 

Camp Carnival is awesome! My daught was speech impaired her first cruise, so I was a little scared of leaving her in CC. Unnecessary worry, though, because not only did she have a great time and make new friends, but her speech was markedly improved by the end of the week! :eek:

 

Go to safetytat dot com for temporary tattoos printed with your phone number on it. Then apply to your child's arm before you cruise or leave the ship. (they last about a week.) great just-in-case measure we hope we never have to use. (we also use these at theme parks.)

 

Pack each of your child's outfits in a ziploc bag, complete with underwear and socks. It makes for an organized suitcase, keeps things neat and clean if you get a bag check at the airport, and added bonus: you can grab a change of clothes to take on beach excursions with you. Then use the plastic bag to store the wet bathing suit.

 

Pack 3 or more swimsuits, as they don't dry quickly in the cabin.

 

check out the family cruising special interests forum for more info.

 

Have a great time!