First timer - many questions

[Aidensmum]

We are booked for 5 nights Bahamas cruise on Carnival Sunshine.

 

1. Gratuities for family with kids 13,11 and 2. Is the $12 pp per day recommendation applicable for children and toddlers too? Friends think its amusing that the baby is tipping $12 a day.

 

2. Confirming that the baby isn't allowed in any pools?

 

3. I can't imagine using a stroller on a ship. We only use one at home if we are going for a long walk. What would I use a stroller for?

 

4. Do we need visas to get off the ship at ports?

 

Thanks😎

[Essiesmom]

Unless your toddler is potty trained, they will not be allowed in any pool. A toddler is no longer a baby. they make more messes than an adult, and your waiters and cabin stewards have to clean up after them.

Days ashore can involve lots of walking. If the toddler gets tired, who wants to carry them in tropical heat? But it's totally up to you and your toddler.

US visitors do not need a visa for the Bahamas. But you need to research whether visitors from OZ do. EM

[mobu2015]

Yes the toddler and children will need to tip as well. Im not sure about Carnival specifically but most other cruise lines allow toddlers under 2 to participate in parent escorted activities in the kids clubs at designated times at no extra charge. To me, that alone makes the tip worth it not to mention what Essie's mom said about staff needing to clean up after the toddlers.

 

the only ships where non potty trained babies/toddlers are currently allowed to use splash pads are disney ships and Royal Caribbean Allure, Oasis, Freedom, Liberty and independence ships.

 

I agree about considering an umbrella stroller when you're on shore. You most likely won't use it on the ship itself but you will definitely use it on shore unless you babywear. If you babywear please consider a carrier or wrap made of breathable fabric as it will be quite humid and hot.

 

If you want a pack n play for your toddler you need to reserve it in advance of the cruise. They will use a starched bedsheet in there so if you want to I'd suggest bringing your own pnp sheet.

[Kerry's Girls]

We are booked for 5 nights Bahamas cruise on Carnival Sunshine.

 

1. Gratuities for family with kids 13,11 and 2. Is the $12 pp per day recommendation applicable for children and toddlers too? Friends think its amusing that the baby is tipping $12 a day.

 

2. Confirming that the baby isn't allowed in any pools?

 

3. I can't imagine using a stroller on a ship. We only use one at home if we are going for a long walk. What would I use a stroller for?

 

4. Do we need visas to get off the ship at ports?

 

Thanks

 

My 2 year olds created as much, if not more, work for the cabin stewards and dining/buffet staff than adults - they are eating, creating trash, diapers, mess, dirty towels, plates to clear, clean up after etc. I actually tip extra for toddlers.

 

I loved having a stroller to get from one place to another on the ship if there was an issue holding hands, and distances can be long from one end to other. Also, the stroller is a great place to hold everything rather than carrying child and bag. It's also a great place to put a sleeping toddler when everyone else wants to keep going. I'd rather bring it and not need it.

 

Cruising is a great way to go with kids. Have a fun time!

 

Best,

Mia

[cb at sea]

You WILL need the stroller...anywhere you go on the ship IS a long walk! Bring the stroller and plan to use it! In port, if your toddler doesn't want to ride, you can put your "stuff" in it....bring it!

 

Bring a blow up tub, unless your toddler is used to showers...that's all you'll have, unless you booked a big suite!

 

No "visas" needed. Actually, if you are American, you don't even need passports for this cruise!

[cb at sea]

You WILL need the stroller...anywhere you go on the ship IS a long walk! Bring the stroller and plan to use it! In port, if your toddler doesn't want to ride, you can put your "stuff" in it....bring it!

 

Bring a blow up tub, unless your toddler is used to showers...that's all you'll have, unless you booked a big suite!

 

No "visas" needed. Actually, if you are American, you don't even need passports for this cruise!

 

Any yes...each person (regardless of age) is expected to tip.

[Cruisin' Chick]

We are booked for 5 nights Bahamas cruise on Carnival Sunshine.

 

1. Gratuities for family with kids 13,11 and 2. Is the $12 pp per day recommendation applicable for children and toddlers too? Friends think its amusing that the baby is tipping $12 a day.

 

Your cabin steward will be cleaning up after your toddler too. Plus, what about diapers or pullups? One of the first questions I asked the cabin steward for our girl's first cruise (at 23 months of age) is what to do with the dirty items. The waitstaff at your meals will make sure your little one has a children's menu with coloring activities and crayons, bring saltines for the little one, fill sippy cups with milk, bring a high chair to your table, etc.

 

As others have said, you'll undoubtedly want to add more to your tip after the service the 2-year-old gets.

 

2. Confirming that the baby isn't allowed in any pools?

 

Not even with swim diapers. If there's splash pools or toddler pools on board, you can find out what's acceptable. If an accident occurs in a pool, the cruise line is required to shut it down and give it a good shocking. That creates a lot of work and inconveniences any passenger who wanted to use that pool.

 

3. I can't imagine using a stroller on a ship. We only use one at home if we are going for a long walk. What would I use a stroller for?

 

Umbrella strollers that have a canopy and a little storage area under -- like the one we had for our girl -- are very handy. We used it for our daughter's first cruise (we didn't take it with for her second one at age 3 as we were flying...and often wished we had it). If your child wants to nap, but you want to be out and about the ship or while in port, it's handy.

 

4. Do we need visas to get off the ship at ports?

 

Definitely something to check out immediately -- with the Australian government. Don't wait on this if your cruise is coming up just in case you need the documents. Generally if you do need visas to go on a specific itinerary, you wouldn't be allowed to even board the ship at all. There's been Americans who didn't get Brazilian visas for ships traveling to South America, and they weren't allowed to go on the cruise at all.

 

Thanks😎

 

Cruising is a great vacation for families.

[Aidensmum]

Thank you so much for all your replies. Feeling much more confident now. Checked out the visa requirements and we won't need them.

[mobu2015]

I was speaking with a friend who sailed Carnival 3 years ago with her then 2 year old and she mentioned that she was able to rent a stroller on board the ship for the week at a reasonable cost. I don't know if they still do this, but it might be worth checking into with Carnival if you don't want to lug a stroller while travelling.