Family friendly cruise

[lexilexi07]

Hi There.

 

First time I've posted a thread in around 4 years so please bare with me. Me and my husband having cruised previously but with Cunard, after adding to our family we are thinking of booking a cruise but with a more family oriented line.

 

We have whittled it down to:

 

7 nts France and Spain, may next year on Independence of the seas, or

Canaries and morocco, Oct next year on Navigator of the seas.

 

I was looking for advice on what others think the best ship would be for us and our, will be 3 1/2 and 1 1/12 year olds.

 

Also safety wise how relaxed do you feel with toddlers on a ship. Me and my hubby are very hands on and most likely wouldn't feel comfortable dropping the kids off at clubs, activities etc but we would like to be able to say sit and have a coffee while having an eye on the kids while they play without the panic of them potentially running off into trouble. Can anyone offer any personal experience with this?

 

Thanks in advance

[Clarea]

Indy has a kiddle pool zone which Navigator does not have.

[lexilexi07]

Ok thanks Clarea. So Independance looks the more family friendly ship:)

[Grandma Dazzles]

I would say that both ships are very definitely family friendly. The big difference is that the Independence has a children's pool area called the H2O zone. The Navigator does have pools, but not a specific children's pool.

 

Only you know if your children will sit and play! There are definitely lots of open spaces, but you will still have to watch them at all times.

[lexilexi07]

Sorry I should expand more re-safety whilst playing question. The cruise lines that cater more for families i.e RC and Disney do they have any additional kind of baby/toddler proofing for example balcony doors in family state rooms have additional child friendly locks or designated children play areas are secure and have an area at the side for adults to sit and watch with a coffee while they play etc?

[Clarea]

Sorry I should expand more re-safety whilst playing question. The cruise lines that cater more for families i.e RC and Disney do they have any additional kind of baby/toddler proofing for example balcony doors in family state rooms have additional child friendly locks or designated children play areas are secure and have an area at the side for adults to sit and watch with a coffee while they play etc?

I suspect it would be very difficult for a child of 3-4 years to open one of the balcony doors. They are heavy doors.

[RSLeesburg]

The Independence also has a nursery, which I am pretty sure Navigator does not. Also, Bob is correct - the doors are very heavy. My wife could barely open ours.

[RSLeesburg]

Sorry I should expand more re-safety whilst playing question. The cruise lines that cater more for families i.e RC and Disney do they have any additional kind of baby/toddler proofing for example balcony doors in family state rooms have additional child friendly locks or designated children play areas are secure and have an area at the side for adults to sit and watch with a coffee while they play etc?

 

 

In the nursery, they have open hours where you can go in and play with kids. But when the nursery is open, no parents allowed inside except to pickup or drop off (Nursery is for under 3's). Adventure Ocean is for 3-11. Your oldest would be an Aquanaut, 3-5 age group. AO is mostly drop off and pick up. AO is free, nursery is for fee.

[lexilexi07]

Thank you for your input :-)

[gerif]

Often there are empty lounges during the day where the little ones can run off some steam while you sit and watch.

[cb at sea]

Any of the ships/cruiselines will be as "safe" as any other. The cabins are so small, that you will hear a child moving about quite readily...you are never more the 5 steps away from them. A child under 6 will have a VERY hard time opening ANY door on their own...they are heavy for me, a smallish adult!!!

 

Unless your child makes a habit of leaving your home, or falling/jumping off of your porch or balcony or out a window, you have NOTHING to worry about on a ship!