Looking for advice on travelling with a Toddler

[Jordster]

Hello fellow cruisers,

 

My wife and I are thinking of booking our 6th cruise, #2 with RCL. However, this will be our first time travelling anywhere with our toddler, who will be about 21 months at the time of travel. The idea scares me! But we haven't left the city in over 2 years and I think it's time!

 

We are thinking of going on the Freedom on 8/24. We are bringing my wife's mother along as a babysitter, and going to get 2 non-adjoining rooms (one balcony for us, and an inside cabin for the babysitter and the baby).

 

I would love to hear your "generic" toddler travel advice, and as well I have some questions:

 

1. Has anyone ever brought a bed-rail with as an alternative to dragging a whole portable crib/pack and play? I was thinking of buying this:

 

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2685702

 

I just want to make sure it will fit on the bed (or maybe the couch).

 

2. How is the daycare? My son will need help "transitioning" as he isn't so fast to warm up to strangers. Are they willing and able to accomodate children who have some trouble adjusting? I've seen some overall positive reviews about the service, just wondering...

 

3. Has anyone ever tried to use a baby monitor on board? The one I have is known for it's strong signal strength (Motorolla MBP36). I know it won't work very far, but our rooms are about 15-20 rooms apart. It has a range of about 600' when unobstructed but I don't know how much interference/metal will get in the way. It would be nice if it worked so he can sleep in one room while the adults hang out in the other.

 

4. How do you get your little one from the airplane to the cruise? I'm thinking of renting a car.. That would mean a lot of mom and baby waiting while dad (me) goes and rents a car, and later while I return the car. I just don't see any other safe way to travel around Florida. I guess the alternative is a taxi, but I'm guessing they aren't so happy to wait while you install and remove car seats!

 

Thanks for reading!

Edited May 27, 2014 by Jordster

[Clarea]

Another good place to post this would be the Family Cruises forum:

 

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

Edited May 27, 2014 by clarea

[Jordster]

Another good place to post this would be the Family Cruises forum:

 

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

 

Thanks! I didn't see that. I will go post it there, too.

[Sunkissed Mommy]

I am currently doing a review about my experience on the Enchantment with a toddler. It's not showing in the main forum right now because I took a small break until I can get photos form my mom's camera. I will be updating it soon.

 

The cruise line will provide you with a pack n play, just bring your own sheets. No need to lug a bed rail along.

 

Don't feel bad about installing a car seat for the taxi ride. I've done it before and they will wait if they want business!

 

My son loved the nursery on Enchantment, I believe the one on Freedom is even better. Plenty of toys. They let him rest on a cot the one evening we had him there. They took great care of him and kept good records. I received a sheet telling me what he did at what time, similar to what a daycare/preschool provides. The ratio is 4 to 1, but both times we used it there were 3 kids in there and 2 adults.

 

Here is a link to the review I have started and will continue soon.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2046306

[Justmekaren918]

Might suggest a car service. I am sure more accomodating with toddler. A real set of extra hands to help.

[nivek82]

It's all what you make of it but starting planning on these boards help. It's a different experience but having taken our daughter on 15 or so cruises since 11 months it's a great vacation. We did the freedom when she was still in the nursery and it was great. If I remember correctly not open the first night but the others. The first day you can reserve some times and depending on the number of kids they open more hours later. They are good with ones that have issues being dropped off. They gave us a phone and called if anything came up but our dd would cry for a bit before she got over it. They have cribs / cots in there if the kid gets sleepy before you come back.

 

They used to also have toys you could check out so that helped reduce packing and you could change them out when the kid get board of them.

 

As stated rci provides pack and plays (if you want one request it in advance and ask your stateroom attendednt). They normally don't show up until the turndown the first night (so be prepared). Depending on the kid size we did a travel cot and that works real well for us.

 

I could go on. Have a great time I'm sure you will.

[Jordster]

 

As stated rci provides pack and plays (if you want one request it in advance and ask your stateroom attendednt). They normally don't show up until the turndown the first night (so be prepared). Depending on the kid size we did a travel cot and that works real well for us.

 

I could go on. Have a great time I'm sure you will.

 

According to RCI's website, the pack and plays are only good up to 24" in height and 30 lbs in weight. My son is a big 18 month old, and is already 32" and 32 lbs! (97th percentile!) Suffice to say, I don't think he'll fit :(

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Vida+a+bordo&faqId=321&faqSubjectId=334&faqType=faq

[boulders]

Hello fellow cruisers,

 

My wife and I are thinking of booking our 6th cruise, #2 with RCL. However, this will be our first time travelling anywhere with our toddler, who will be about 21 months at the time of travel. The idea scares me! But we haven't left the city in over 2 years and I think it's time!

 

We are thinking of going on the Freedom on 8/24. We are bringing my wife's mother along as a babysitter, and going to get 2 non-adjoining rooms (one balcony for us, and an inside cabin for the babysitter and the baby).

 

I would love to hear your "generic" toddler travel advice, and as well I have some questions:

 

1. Has anyone ever brought a bed-rail with as an alternative to dragging a whole portable crib/pack and play? I was thinking of buying this:

 

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2685702

 

I just want to make sure it will fit on the bed (or maybe the couch).

 

2. How is the daycare? My son will need help "transitioning" as he isn't so fast to warm up to strangers. Are they willing and able to accomodate children who have some trouble adjusting? I've seen some overall positive reviews about the service, just wondering...

 

3. Has anyone ever tried to use a baby monitor on board? The one I have is known for it's strong signal strength (Motorolla MBP36). I know it won't work very far, but our rooms are about 15-20 rooms apart. It has a range of about 600' when unobstructed but I don't know how much interference/metal will get in the way. It would be nice if it worked so he can sleep in one room while the adults hang out in the other.

 

4. How do you get your little one from the airplane to the cruise? I'm thinking of renting a car.. That would mean a lot of mom and baby waiting while dad (me) goes and rents a car, and later while I return the car. I just don't see any other safe way to travel around Florida. I guess the alternative is a taxi, but I'm guessing they aren't so happy to wait while you install and remove car seats!

 

Thanks for reading!

 

1. Pack and plays take up a lot of room in the cabin. If he is in an inside, it will take up the majority of the floor space. Since the toddler will have a bed, I would take the bed rail. My kids slept in beds at that age and did not fall out, even without a rail.

 

2. They are very good on ships with engaging children. I wouldn't worry.

 

3. I would definitely not leave a toddler alone in the room. Ship's personnel have a master key and can access the room at any time. Can you not get rooms that are closer together? Rooms that are 15-20 cabins apart will have different muster stations which means that they will be assigned different lifeboats.

 

4. Renting a car doesn't take that long. Neither does installing a car seat in a taxi. I wouldn't rent a car unless you are staying and travelling around on land.

[Badfinger]

Well, since you asked for advice, my advice is forget about any cruise until the kid is older, or offer the grandparents a chance for some bonding! Basically you will just be watching your kid on a cruise ship, instead of the more familiar surroundings of your home. We have two boys, now 14 and 16, and never thought about such trip when they were little. Wait a few years until the kid can enjoy the cruise. In my opinion, that would be when the kid is 12-13 years old and can be trusted not to go with strangers, peter pan over a railing, etc. My wife and I both agreed to put "our wants" on hold until we raise our kids...and we have never regretted that. Plenty of time for cruises when they are grown up.

[purplethorn]

We've cruised twice already with DD , once when she was 2 and recently when she was 2.5 - I've written reviews they are in my signature you might find them helpful

 

Both times we had PnP its better for her and for us , even though the second time I could tell the PnP looked small for her , but that did not seem to bother her. RCI offers PnPs you don't need to schlep yours. Just bring some clorox wipes to wipe it down.

I don't think RCI offers bed rails , Disney does, but DD still sleeps in a crib so this was not a option for us.

 

If you gonna eat at the MDR make sure you go early to avoid nasty looks and melt downs. Food service in the MDR takes a long time so keep that in mind ... not sure what your child's threshold is for sitting still on a table , but ours is on the hour mark and then even the iPhone won't help.

WJ and Sorrentos were our choice of food.

 

Make sure you ask your state room attendant for the Kids activities list each day so that you can take her/him for some fun. I didn't know that kid activities list existed we never ever got it just got the compasses for the days.

 

Hope the Freedom nursery is better than the one on Liberty. If she/he is potty trained the 3-5 area is better imo.

 

If not potty trained can't go to any pools

 

There is a nice covered walking area outside in deck 4 on LOS (maybe it would similar in Freedom?) where it is quiet and your kid can run around safely without "disturbing" anyone.

 

The Dreamworks parade is fun for them

 

Bring her/his favorite packaged snacks and drinks with you from home

 

umm I can't think of anything else right now

 

I am sure you will have a blast , don't worry too much , but also be aware that you will not be able to see/do everything there is on the ship because it might not be suitable for the little one ... and that is perfectly OK

 

We've tried other means of travel with the little one and by far cruising is the most suitable for a toddler especially since now cruise lines offer child care so that mom and dad can unwind a little. And having grandma along is very helpful of course (we had my mom the last time). Going on a cruise and running after the little one is better than staying home and running after them imo :D :D :D

Edited May 27, 2014 by purplethorn

[Xina143]

Well, since you asked for advice, my advice is forget about any cruise until the kid is older, or offer the grandparents a chance for some bonding! Basically you will just be watching your kid on a cruise ship, instead of the more familiar surroundings of your home. We have two boys, now 14 and 16, and never thought about such trip when they were little. Wait a few years until the kid can enjoy the cruise. In my opinion, that would be when the kid is 12-13 years old and can be trusted not to go with strangers, peter pan over a railing, etc. My wife and I both agreed to put "our wants" on hold until we raise our kids...and we have never regretted that. Plenty of time for cruises when they are grown up.

 

We looked into a cruise when our youngest was 2 and decided we would wait until he was potty trained!

 

So glad we did!

 

We went on our first cruise when our kids were 17 (Our oldest turned 17 on the cruise) 15, 13, 7 and 3. They had a blast,and our youngest STILL talks about our first cruise in July 2011, even though he's been on one since then.

 

On the other hand, putting 'your wants' on hold teaches our kids what? That we don't have needs and desires? No thanks. Kids can learn a lot from cruising, even at a younger age, and that includes mom and dad taking some time to themselves.

 

I wouldn't take a child that young on a cruise, but that's just me...we did Disney, camping, etc. BUT, I think if you adjust your expectations and realize you might not get as much free time, you will be fine.

[Jordster]

Well, since you asked for advice, my advice is forget about any cruise until the kid is older, or offer the grandparents a chance for some bonding! Basically you will just be watching your kid on a cruise ship, instead of the more familiar surroundings of your home. We have two boys, now 14 and 16, and never thought about such trip when they were little. Wait a few years until the kid can enjoy the cruise. In my opinion, that would be when the kid is 12-13 years old and can be trusted not to go with strangers, peter pan over a railing, etc. My wife and I both agreed to put "our wants" on hold until we raise our kids...and we have never regretted that. Plenty of time for cruises when they are grown up.

 

Well, I did ask for advice, although this is not the advice I had in mind.

 

To be honest, watching my kid have experiences is worth every dollar to me. I took him to the new aquarium in Toronto (where I live) when he was 15 months old even though it cost me over $100. While you could say that he wouldn't understand or appreciate it, I watched him experience absolute amazement as he tried to make sense of all the colorful fish.

 

I plan on doing lots of traveling with my child, and his future siblings, while they are young. I'm fortunate that my wife and I have excellent careers and there is no tangible benefit to putting our "wants" on hold. My wife and I are still human beings with wants and desires, and we work hard.

 

In fact, I would say that taking your young children on adventures (in this case, a cruise and a trip to Florida) is good for family bonding. And I'm even paying for a whole extra cabin so that I can have a babysitter and so that we can enjoy some couple time!

Edited May 27, 2014 by Jordster

[Mommy oooo]

In my opinion, and I think many will tend to agree with me, cruising is a great way to vacation with children, although until they are potty trained and can use the pools, cruising was a bit difficult as they wanted to go in the pools but could not. Although someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Freedom class ( i think that is what you said you were going on)has a kiddie pool area where non potty trained kids can go into.

 

Everyone has their own opinions and I think it is rather sad that people do not want to expose their children to travel, even if it is just the Caribbean (this is from someone who went to Europe every summer from infancy until about 8th grade :o)

 

I too brought along packaged snacks to bring along to shore (I still do for my older DD as she has Celiac and can't eat what ever, when ever she wants)

[Xina143]

I'm one of those people that said I would not take a small child on a cruise, whether that was my own ignorance, or just how we are. It worked out well for us.

 

I did not want to deal with diapers, strollers, nursing/bottles, etc. BUT that is just me. On a ship you are in a confined (though they are huge!) space, and in many places space in at a premium. I can't tell you how many times we were hit with or saw someone else hit with a huge stroller that someone needed to drag around.

 

Or the parents that were asked to leave the casino as they tried to play the slots with their small children sitting there. And let's not forget the people that throw fits when they find out their kids can't go in the pool or to camp.

 

IF you are well versed in how cruises work, and willing to adjust your expectations, I am sure it will be fine.

 

For me we preferred to do things that would give us more options-say we run out of diapers or our child gets sick, and more room to spread out, especially since we are a large family-five boys and my husband and I.

 

That being said, just because we didn't cruise didn't mean our kids suffered from lack of exposure-Europe (Yep, we took em!) Disney, visiting family in Florida and Georgia, camping in the beautiful state parks near our home, DC, NYC, etc.

 

All gave us the opportunity to expose our children to more than the small town we live in, but we also had the ability to more easily deal with little things that often come up with small children.

 

THAT is what worked for us.

 

One thing I would say-please don't bring a huge travel stroller, not enough room.

[purplethorn]

In my opinion, and I think many will tend to agree with me, cruising is a great way to vacation with children, although until they are potty trained and can use the pools, cruising was a bit difficult as they wanted to go in the pools but could not. Although someone correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Freedom class ( i think that is what you said you were going on)has a kiddie pool area where non potty trained kids can go into.

 

Everyone has their own opinions and I think it is rather sad that people do not want to expose their children to travel, even if it is just the Caribbean (this is from someone who went to Europe every summer from infancy until about 8th grade :o)

 

I too brought along packaged snacks to bring along to shore (I still do for my older DD as she has Celiac and can't eat what ever, when ever she wants)

 

Totally agree. When I was a child we traveled a lot and I remember mostly everything and appreciate and enjoy those memories.

Even now DD talks about the ship and Mickey (well she did enjoy the Disney cruise better) and I have the most awesome pictures to show her and tell her again all about it someday if she doesn't remember.

 

It is priceless seeing my child's face and excitement on these new experiences ... for us it is not harder than being home or going to a restaurant somewhere

 

I am not sure if its harder when they are not potty trained because if they are then you have to run around with them to the bathroom :D:D and thankfully DD did not ask to get in the pools (we kinda forced her in the small pool) , but she had a blast in Labadee .

[Badfinger]

What I would not want to do is expose my kid to that "non-potty trained" petri dish...err...pool. Yuck.

 

I knew I would take heat from many. But I stand fast in what we did with our kids. They have turned out to be great and successful kids. I don't regret one decision we made.

 

I never said we did not go on vacation or on travel, I just said no to a cruise for a 21 month old.. Starting when our kids were about 5 or 6 years old, we would drive about 6 hours to visit the relatives..some in Minnesota and some in Kentucky. Once we arrived there, short 1/2 day activities were perfect for them (hiking state parks, river boat tours, fishing, beaches at freshwater lakes, horse parks, train rides, 5k runs, water parks, snow skiing, aquariums, baseball games, NFL games, etc). As you can see, this list of activities is fun for adults too. It is not like we locked ourselves in our basement for 10 years. We just did actives that were short in duration and provided diverse experiences. We also had season passes for Six Flags, SeaWorld and Schlitterbaun. As you can see, this list of activities is fun for adults too. It is not like we locked ourselves in our basement for 10 years. However, none of these are on my "want' list...those will come in a couple years.

 

We have been on two cruises over the last two years and are going on another this year. My kids are definitely old enough and mature enough to enjoy all that a cruise offers to teenagers.

 

And think about it, those of you who cruise without kids or without really young kids. Don’t you enjoy the cruise/ cruise activity just a bit less when there are toddlers around? You want one at your table in the MDR? Be honest.

[Xina143]

What I would not want to do is expose my kid to that "non-potty trained" petri dish...err...pool. Yuck.

 

I knew I would take heat from many. But I stand fast in what we did with our kids. They have turned out to be great and successful kids. I don't regret one decision we made.

 

I never said we did not go on vacation or on travel, I just said no to a cruise for a 21 month old.. Starting when our kids were about 5 or 6 years old, we would drive about 6 hours to visit the relatives..some in Minnesota and some in Kentucky. Once we arrived there, short 1/2 day activities were perfect for them (hiking state parks, river boat tours, fishing, beaches at freshwater lakes, horse parks, train rides, 5k runs, water parks, snow skiing, aquariums, baseball games, NFL games, etc). As you can see, this list of activities is fun for adults too. It is not like we locked ourselves in our basement for 10 years. We just did actives that were short in duration and provided diverse experiences. We also had season passes for Six Flags, SeaWorld and Schlitterbaun. As you can see, this list of activities is fun for adults too. It is not like we locked ourselves in our basement for 10 years. However, none of these are on my "want' list...those will come in a couple years.

 

We have been on two cruises over the last two years and are going on another this year. My kids are definitely old enough and mature enough to enjoy all that a cruise offers to teenagers.

 

And think about it, those of you who cruise without kids or without really young kids. Don’t you enjoy the cruise/ cruise activity just a bit less when there are toddlers around? You want one at your table in the MDR? Be honest.

 

It isn't that I mind toddlers around, but I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate not having to deal with certain things-diapers, bottles, strollers, etc.

 

It certainly made our cruise more enjoyable.

[ajdickinson]

1. Re: the bedrail v. PnP issue, if you're only concerned about the child falling out of bed when asleep (vs. keeping the child contained and preventing him/her from crawling out-- which I guess a bedrail probably wouldn't do anyway), then a firm rolled-up towel or pool noodle tucked under the fitted sheet at the edge of the bed has always worked for us as a makeshift bedrail. No extra expense, no issues with fit.

[brenderlou]

We just had our daughter sleep in our bed and did away with the pack n play. We had no issues after the cruise going to sleep in her own room.

 

 

 

 

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[The Grumpus]

Hello fellow cruisers,

 

My wife and I are thinking of booking our 6th cruise, #2 with RCL. However, this will be our first time travelling anywhere with our toddler, who will be about 21 months at the time of travel. The idea scares me! But we haven't left the city in over 2 years and I think it's time!

 

We are thinking of going on the Freedom on 8/24. We are bringing my wife's mother along as a babysitter, and going to get 2 non-adjoining rooms (one balcony for us, and an inside cabin for the babysitter and the baby).

 

I would love to hear your "generic" toddler travel advice, and as well I have some questions:

 

1. Has anyone ever brought a bed-rail with as an alternative to dragging a whole portable crib/pack and play? I was thinking of buying this:

 

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2685702

 

I just want to make sure it will fit on the bed (or maybe the couch).

 

2. How is the daycare? My son will need help "transitioning" as he isn't so fast to warm up to strangers. Are they willing and able to accomodate children who have some trouble adjusting? I've seen some overall positive reviews about the service, just wondering...

 

3. Has anyone ever tried to use a baby monitor on board? The one I have is known for it's strong signal strength (Motorolla MBP36). I know it won't work very far, but our rooms are about 15-20 rooms apart. It has a range of about 600' when unobstructed but I don't know how much interference/metal will get in the way. It would be nice if it worked so he can sleep in one room while the adults hang out in the other.

 

4. How do you get your little one from the airplane to the cruise? I'm thinking of renting a car.. That would mean a lot of mom and baby waiting while dad (me) goes and rents a car, and later while I return the car. I just don't see any other safe way to travel around Florida. I guess the alternative is a taxi, but I'm guessing they aren't so happy to wait while you install and remove car seats!

 

Thanks for reading!

Our daughter has gone on 2 cruises with us and she's loved it both times. Once when she was 18-months, and again at 27-months. My mother-in-law went with us too, kind of as a babysitter but it wasn't the purpose of her being there. It just kind of worked out that way at times. Unless you don't get along with your MIL, I would recommend getting adjoining cabins, they are very convenient during naps or just coming in late when MIL is babysitting. Plus - we have brought a baby monitor twice and it doesn't on board... at least on Oasis; has to do with the superstructure or something. We have the Summer Baby Touch 2 - it worked before the cruise, it worked after, but not during the cruise. I'm not saying not to bring yours, just plan on it not working on the ship. Another reason why I strongly recommend getting a adjoining cabin.

 

As far as sleeping arrangements for your child, RCI will add a pack-n-play to your cabins so you don't need to bring one. Unless your toddler is a giant, he/she will fit just fine. Just be sure to tell them you need one - it's free of charge.

 

Getting to the port can be a little tricky. At 21-months I would bring one of the smaller portable car seat carriers and use that for the cab. Otherwise, you'll need to find those small busses, or a private car. There isn't a whole lot of other options with a toddler. If you go the night before, most hotels have a shuttle from the airport and to the port and they will accommodate you. One way or another, you'll get to the ship.

 

As far as the "daycare", the nursery is great. I can say enough good things about what they do. Our daughter loved it and never complained going there or going to sleep after 8:30 - her bedtime on the ship. I would recommend getting a cabin close to that 'cause she can get heavy carrying her back to the cabin if it's far away.

Edited May 28, 2014 by The Grumpus

[purplethorn]

I wanted to add that if you are flying in to FLL the port is literally 5 min away from the airport. I do not think its worth bringing a car seat or renting a car with a car seat. Take a cab and somebody will hold him in the back seat for the 5 min drive .... didn't we all travel like that pre car seat :D

 

 

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Edited May 30, 2014 by purplethorn

[The Grumpus]

I wanted to add that if you are flying in to FLL the port is literally 5 min away from the airport. I do not think its worth bringing a car seat or renting a car with a car seat. Take a cab and somebody will hold him in the back seat for the 5 min drive.... didn't we all travel like that pre car seat :D

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Is that even legal anymore? I've thought about that myself but I think my wife would freak-out over just the thought of doing that.:eek:

[boulders]

Is that even legal anymore? I've thought about that myself but I think my wife would freak-out over just the thought of doing that.:eek:

 

Not in Florida, it's not.

[Sunkissed Mommy]

Not in Florida, it's not.

 

 

Just because it's legal doesn't mean it is safe!

 

 

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[05mak05]

Well, since you asked for advice, my advice is forget about any cruise until the kid is older, or offer the grandparents a chance for some bonding! Basically you will just be watching your kid on a cruise ship, instead of the more familiar surroundings of your home. We have two boys, now 14 and 16, and never thought about such trip when they were little. Wait a few years until the kid can enjoy the cruise. In my opinion, that would be when the kid is 12-13 years old and can be trusted not to go with strangers, peter pan over a railing, etc. My wife and I both agreed to put "our wants" on hold until we raise our kids...and we have never regretted that. Plenty of time for cruises when they are grown up.

We've just returned from a family cruise with one of the children being 3. He's not potty trained. He vomited the first day. Then the 8 year old got sick. Then the Daddy. The mother stayed on her feet but barely. On day 4, the 3 year old wanted to get in the pool, and of course, wasn't allowed since he wasn't potty trained. The parents ended up exhausted and frustrated. I think cruise ships with little ones is very dicey. Thankfully, the kids got better within 48 hours. Heaven help me if they had gotten dehydrated and needed medical attention. We've cruised with another set of grandchildren several times starting when they were 4 and 6. They are careful about sanitizing their hands, good swimmers and well behaved. Their favorite part was practicing fine

dining manners in the Main Dining Room without ever squirming or being disruptive. So, a lot depends on the family and their attention to detail.