Two yr. old

[mb466]

Has any one taken a two year old on a cruise this is our first time with a little one not sure how it will go . Going on carnival thought that would be good any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanks

[cruising_rocket_scientist]

We are taking our 2 year old in January. This will be her second cruise, the first being when she was 10 months old. Cruise ships are so full of things to explore. There's never a dull moment! You can also check out the family boards. A lot of people cruise with their young families. I think it's one of the best ways to travel!

[iheartbda]

Check the Family Cruise board, tons of information there.

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

[Keith1010]

I would do as iheartbda suggested, and post this on the Family Cruise Board.

 

Keith

[jamessemaj]

Your 2 year old can answer your questions better than anybody on these boards.

[Fredr]

The questions you have to answer is this...how mature is the 2 year old. Is he or she adaptable to changes? Does he or she get easily rattled by motion such as being in a car? Are they (hopefully they are not) given to crying easily, and do they cry in the middle of the night.

 

My late wife and I had two children, both of whom are grown so I know something about 2 year olds. This is a very tough call as some kids are born sailors while others are not, though no fault of their own.

 

Do an honest assessment of the child and then decide.

 

Good luck

[klfrodo]

Know that

1. The pools are salt water

2. If child is NOT potty trained, they cannot and will not be allowed in any of the pools. No swim diapers allowed.

[serene56]

Your child needs to be two by the date of sailing in order to use camps

We sailed with an 18 month old. We had a grand time. But it's not a couples

Vacation when you bring a baby. You should try to keep to the baby's schedule

As much as possible

 

She did very good at dinner. Gave her the chilled soups she ate with a straw

High chairs are the kind that pull to the table

After dinner we headed to deck 5 and took her to the outside deck

We let her run to her hearts content. Nothing is going to happen. A wave

Will not come and take her. She will not fall mysteriously overboard

 

You need a stroller and not a jumbo size one. It neds to fit going down the halls

And the stewards are out with their carts

[Scrapnana]

My grandson had just turned two when we took him on a cruise last year. There was plenty for him to do even though he could not use the pools. He had a great time and still talks about the "ship".

 

I agree with the suggestion about a stroller. We took an umbrella stroller and it was easy to navigate around the ship and lightweight.

 

My grandson is a good eater and enjoyed the food from the kid's menu in the MDR.

 

If your child is still in a crib, let the cruise line know in advance that you will need one.

[cb at sea]

It will go as fine as anywhere you take your child....it's a family vacation! No different from taking your child anywhere else!

 

The only problem may be the pools...diapered kids/adults aren't allowed in the pools. If you don't SHOW your diapered one the pool, they will have no idea what they're missing.

[SadieN]

Bring any 'just-in-case' meds you think you might possibly need. Also bring more of everything.

 

Carnival has laundryroom available for pax use $3wash and $3dry. The machines take quarters. These can be found at guest services or the casino. There is even a quarter changer in the casino that works when the casino is closed.

[Colorado Kat]

Sometimes the kid's camp has a parent/young child play time.

 

You'll be able to find unused areas to let the child run around.

[Lerin]

Yes, many times with a 2-year-old and younger.

Cruises make wonderful family vacations.

Check out the Family Board posted upthread for more information.