Full price for a 9 month baby!!!

[Biker19]

But the gratuities should be waived or at least reduced for them.

You have the option to do that at any time.

 

Biker, who is waiting for the tip police.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

For 1400 pounds you can get a nice sitter for your child and leave them at home or do a shorter less expensive cruise to see how the baby does in the first place. As a parent of two boys, and I've traveled with them on many cruises, traveling with a 9 month old is doable, but you have to bring everything from a car seat, to a stroller, to bottles, cleaning supplies for said bottles, lots of diapers, wipes, etc. Beaches are a nightmare with a crawling 9 month old. You will have to lug so much stuff along. A baby won't be able to use any of the pools or water play areas. You will have to pay for babysitting on top of their passage. The baby may be teething at this stage, irritable and in need of a doctor. The ship's doctor is available for a very expensive fee. Usually $90 for a visit, plus medications.

 

Three people (and a baby's stuff) will be sharing a very small space. If you don't have a balcony to help air it out- it will stink from the soiled diapers. Most nine months old need naps by day and go to bed early at night. You will be in a small cabin (at least one of you) from bedtime on. So you'll miss a lot of nightlife, shows, etc. You will be watching tv, which may keep the child awake, or trying to read on a kindle. You can do that at home.

 

I'd either wait until your child is older, go on a less expensive "trial" cruise to see how she adjusts to sleeping on a ship, taking showers (not baths) and the stimulation on the ship. I understand not wanting to leave a child for 14 days. You may want to wait. Honeymoons should be romantic right? Seriously discuss your options with your mate.

[MikeMA]

You have the option to do that at any time.

 

 

 

Biker, who is waiting for the tip police.

 

 

Lol Biker I like the humor. While I agree we could do this by going to guest services I wouldn't want to insult the staff. I would prefer Royal pass a policy on it. I'd say children under 1 year no grats.

 

 

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[42CruiseCrazy]

For 1400 pounds you can get a nice sitter for your child and leave them at home or do a shorter less expensive cruise to see how the baby does in the first place. As a parent of two boys, and I've traveled with them on many cruises, traveling with a 9 month old is doable, but you have to bring everything from a car seat, to a stroller, to bottles, cleaning supplies for said bottles, lots of diapers, wipes, etc. Beaches are a nightmare with a crawling 9 month old. You will have to lug so much stuff along. A baby won't be able to use any of the pools or water play areas. You will have to pay for babysitting on top of their passage. The baby may be teething at this stage, irritable and in need of a doctor. The ship's doctor is available for a very expensive fee. Usually $90 for a visit, plus medications.

 

Three people (and a baby's stuff) will be sharing a very small space. If you don't have a balcony to help air it out- it will stink from the soiled diapers. Most nine months old need naps by day and go to bed early at night. You will be in a small cabin (at least one of you) from bedtime on. So you'll miss a lot of nightlife, shows, etc. You will be watching tv, which may keep the child awake, or trying to read on a kindle. You can do that at home.

 

I'd either wait until your child is older, go on a less expensive "trial" cruise to see how she adjusts to sleeping on a ship, taking showers (not baths) and the stimulation on the ship. I understand not wanting to leave a child for 14 days. You may want to wait. Honeymoons should be romantic right? Seriously discuss your options with your mate.

 

 

 

Rebecca makes a lot of sense. OP, I would listen to her. I personally would never take a cruise with a nine-month-old.

 

 

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[MikeMA]

For 1400 pounds you can get a nice sitter for your child and leave them at home or do a shorter less expensive cruise to see how the baby does in the first place. As a parent of two boys, and I've traveled with them on many cruises, traveling with a 9 month old is doable, but you have to bring everything from a car seat, to a stroller, to bottles, cleaning supplies for said bottles, lots of diapers, wipes, etc. Beaches are a nightmare with a crawling 9 month old. You will have to lug so much stuff along. A baby won't be able to use any of the pools or water play areas. You will have to pay for babysitting on top of their passage. The baby may be teething at this stage, irritable and in need of a doctor. The ship's doctor is available for a very expensive fee. Usually $90 for a visit, plus medications.

 

Three people (and a baby's stuff) will be sharing a very small space. If you don't have a balcony to help air it out- it will stink from the soiled diapers. Most nine months old need naps by day and go to bed early at night. You will be in a small cabin (at least one of you) from bedtime on. So you'll miss a lot of nightlife, shows, etc. You will be watching tv, which may keep the child awake, or trying to read on a kindle. You can do that at home.

 

I'd either wait until your child is older, go on a less expensive "trial" cruise to see how she adjusts to sleeping on a ship, taking showers (not baths) and the stimulation on the ship. I understand not wanting to leave a child for 14 days. You may want to wait. Honeymoons should be romantic right? Seriously discuss your options with your mate.

 

 

I disagree with a large portion of this. Having just done a cruise with an 8 month old I can say we enjoyed it. Yes we had to make adjustments to our schedules to accommodate naps and bedtimes etc And yes we had to pack 1 extra small suitcase for diapers, wipes, bottle supplies, and food etc.. But many if the things you mentioned are simply ill information.

 

We found the beach quite fun with our baby we rented a clamshell for short money and laid a blanket down with some toys and he was very entertained. We brought him to the shore and let him splash around and play. It was a little different than if we had been alone, but certainly not a hassle or bad experience.

 

About 1/2 of the fleet now have baby pools in their kids area. We just got off the Freedom which had one. The pools have special filters to allow non potty trained babies to be able to use them. Our son loved it. I suggest just researching ships that have these.

 

Again about 1/2 the fleet have nurseries now. For $8/hr you can use them to have some alone time. Although we didn't use it every night, we did for 3 nights on our cruise 1 to enjoy a formal dinner alone and the other 2 after dinner to enjoy a show and a little casino time. We usually did 2 1/2-3 hr stints. The nursery staff is trained and certified and they only allow in a certain #of children per staff member. They give you a phone to carry in case of any ques or emergencies. Then they give you notes at pickup. They will also change diapers and feed your baby if needed. We thought the staff was great. So again yes you have to adjust your schedule, but you def still can create some alone/romantic time. Also your room will prob have a curtain to separate you from the babies crib/playpen so you can turn the tv on after the baby goes down.

 

We packed all basic meds we might need including baby Tylenol and Motrin diaper rash cream etc etc an inflatable bathtub for the shower at the advice of other parents on here was great advice. Also we brought the arm n hammer disposable diaper trash bags for diaper changes. You can buy like 42ct for $5. They hid any smell so the cabin ventilation etc was no issue.

 

Would I necessarily do a 14 night cruise, prob not. Mainly because the babies schedule does get messed up. But I can tell you our 8 night was enjoyable. Just go in knowing your cruise will be altered a little from the norm, pack accordingly, and choose a ship with the proper baby amenities/venues. If you do this I think you will still have a fun trip.

 

 

 

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[Leery24]

For 1400 pounds you can get a nice sitter for your child and leave them at home or do a shorter less expensive cruise to see how the baby does in the first place. As a parent of two boys, and I've traveled with them on many cruises, traveling with a 9 month old is doable, but you have to bring everything from a car seat, to a stroller, to bottles, cleaning supplies for said bottles, lots of diapers, wipes, etc. Beaches are a nightmare with a crawling 9 month old. You will have to lug so much stuff along. A baby won't be able to use any of the pools or water play areas. You will have to pay for babysitting on top of their passage. The baby may be teething at this stage, irritable and in need of a doctor. The ship's doctor is available for a very expensive fee. Usually $90 for a visit, plus medications.

 

Three people (and a baby's stuff) will be sharing a very small space. If you don't have a balcony to help air it out- it will stink from the soiled diapers. Most nine months old need naps by day and go to bed early at night. You will be in a small cabin (at least one of you) from bedtime on. So you'll miss a lot of nightlife, shows, etc. You will be watching tv, which may keep the child awake, or trying to read on a kindle. You can do that at home.

 

I'd either wait until your child is older, go on a less expensive "trial" cruise to see how she adjusts to sleeping on a ship, taking showers (not baths) and the stimulation on the ship. I understand not wanting to leave a child for 14 days. You may want to wait. Honeymoons should be romantic right? Seriously discuss your options with your mate.

 

 

Hit the nail on the head.

 

 

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[shazcat]

I pay double for me as a solo

Traveler I only eat for one. It is unfair yes

 

 

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[Smallfamily]

Well having a family member or friend watch the baby is way better than my idea. My

Mom watched our kids when they were young. It was a huge gift and amazing for keeping that romantic connection. Anytime that's an option take it and enjoy that time as a couple :)

 

 

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[trajan]

I disagree with a large portion of this. Having just done a cruise with an 8 month old I can say we enjoyed it. Yes we had to make adjustments to our schedules to accommodate naps and bedtimes etc And yes we had to pack 1 extra small suitcase for diapers, wipes, bottle supplies, and food etc.. But many if the things you mentioned are simply ill information.

 

We found the beach quite fun with our baby we rented a clamshell for short money and laid a blanket down with some toys and he was very entertained. We brought him to the shore and let him splash around and play. It was a little different than if we had been alone, but certainly not a hassle or bad experience.

 

About 1/2 of the fleet now have baby pools in their kids area. We just got off the Freedom which had one. The pools have special filters to allow non potty trained babies to be able to use them. Our son loved it. I suggest just researching ships that have these.

 

Again about 1/2 the fleet have nurseries now. For $8/hr you can use them to have some alone time. Although we didn't use it every night, we did for 3 nights on our cruise 1 to enjoy a formal dinner alone and the other 2 after dinner to enjoy a show and a little casino time. We usually did 2 1/2-3 hr stints. The nursery staff is trained and certified and they only allow in a certain #of children per staff member. They give you a phone to carry in case of any ques or emergencies. Then they give you notes at pickup. They will also change diapers and feed your baby if needed. We thought the staff was great. So again yes you have to adjust your schedule, but you def still can create some alone/romantic time. Also your room will prob have a curtain to separate you from the babies crib/playpen so you can turn the tv on after the baby goes down.

 

We packed all basic meds we might need including baby Tylenol and Motrin diaper rash cream etc etc an inflatable bathtub for the shower at the advice of other parents on here was great advice. Also we brought the arm n hammer disposable diaper trash bags for diaper changes. You can buy like 42ct for $5. They hid any smell so the cabin ventilation etc was no issue.

 

Would I necessarily do a 14 night cruise, prob not. Mainly because the babies schedule does get messed up. But I can tell you our 8 night was enjoyable. Just go in knowing your cruise will be altered a little from the norm, pack accordingly, and choose a ship with the proper baby amenities/venues. If you do this I think you will still have a fun trip.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

Matches our experience. Our baby loved Freedom and the 8 day cruise we did last month. Very baby friendly ship from the baby pool to the baby and toddler play area they would set up in the room beside the game room. Staff loved interacting with her and making her smile.

And no reason to pay for kids on RC. Their kids sail free promo seems run at least twice year so just be patient.

I think about 8 months is earliest I'd do it but we had zero issues. Kid adjusted to the motion of the ship and the time change better than I did. Mind you we are experienced cruisers, did our homework and planned appropriately. Ymmv.

 

 

Crown Princess 2007

Emerald Princess 2008

RCCL Navigator of the Seas 2010

Ruby Princess 2012

NCL Jewel 2013

NCL Jewel 2016

RCCL Freedom of the Seas 2017

Emerald Princess 2017

[Havingfun2010]

I loved having kids. I love having a grandkid now. Each vacation I took in my adult life was arranged around what we, and the kids could enjoy together. Once you have kids, you have costs.

 

In an amusement park, under 2 is free. Why, because they can't get on anything, but it's a park so they don't take up a space. On a ship, each bed, has a price tag. Each bed, takes up gas, oil, crew costs, etc etc. They hold a place in a life boat. The ship is limited to x number of beds. Some rooms are rated for 3 or 4, and some are for 2 only. So, they price each bed, based on a formula to pay for the ship, and that means all aspects of the ship. Age does not matter. The 3rd passenger could be 9 months old, or it could be 82 years old. They occupy a paying spot.

 

This is not the same as a restaurant or amusement park.

 

I enjoyed my days of parenting, but during that time, I paid, and paid and paid for my kids. Now, I'm free. I hate to tell the poster this, but you have another 17 years, and 3 months of paying for your kid. Might as well get used to it now.

[trajan]

Lol Biker I like the humor. While I agree we could do this by going to guest services I wouldn't want to insult the staff. I would prefer Royal pass a policy on it. I'd say children under 1 year no grats.

 

 

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On NCL it's no service charge for kids under 3. Carnival no service charge for under 2's.

 

 

Crown Princess 2007

Emerald Princess 2008

RCCL Navigator of the Seas 2010

Ruby Princess 2012

NCL Jewel 2013

NCL Jewel 2016

RCCL Freedom of the Seas 2017

Emerald Princess 2017

Edited April 14, 2017 by trajan

[trajan]

I loved having kids. I love having a grandkid now. Each vacation I took in my adult life was arranged around what we, and the kids could enjoy together. Once you have kids, you have costs.

 

 

 

In an amusement park, under 2 is free. Why, because they can't get on anything, but it's a park so they don't take up a space. On a ship, each bed, has a price tag. Each bed, takes up gas, oil, crew costs, etc etc. They hold a place in a life boat. The ship is limited to x number of beds. Some rooms are rated for 3 or 4, and some are for 2 only. So, they price each bed, based on a formula to pay for the ship, and that means all aspects of the ship. Age does not matter. The 3rd passenger could be 9 months old, or it could be 82 years old. They occupy a paying spot.

 

 

 

This is not the same as a restaurant or amusement park.

 

 

 

I enjoyed my days of parenting, but during that time, I paid, and paid and paid for my kids. Now, I'm free. I hate to tell the poster this, but you have another 17 years, and 3 months of paying for your kid. Might as well get used to it now.

 

 

? Generally reasonable advice but doesn't really apply to cruising. RC regularly has kids sail free offers as do many other lines. I'd say cruising is actually the standout exception to the norm that you will have to pay for your kids. IMHO it's what makes cruising such a good value for families.

 

 

 

 

Crown Princess 2007

Emerald Princess 2008

RCCL Navigator of the Seas 2010

Ruby Princess 2012

NCL Jewel 2013

NCL Jewel 2016

RCCL Freedom of the Seas 2017

Emerald Princess 2017

[Vacationdreamer<><]

I have six kids. They've traveled the world. That's way too much per night.

Check NCL and MSC!

 

 

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[Havingfun2010]

? Generally reasonable advice but doesn't really apply to cruising. RC regularly has kids sail free offers as do many other lines. I'd say cruising is actually the standout exception to the norm that you will have to pay for your kids. IMHO it's what makes cruising such a good value for families.

 

 

 

 

Crown Princess 2007

Emerald Princess 2008

RCCL Navigator of the Seas 2010

Ruby Princess 2012

NCL Jewel 2013

NCL Jewel 2016

RCCL Freedom of the Seas 2017

Emerald Princess 2017

 

Actually, it's 3 and 4 passenger sail free, and not "kids" sail free. Like all sales with RCCL, they up the price of number 1 and 2, so it's not truly free. But regardless of the outcome, you are paying per bunk, and not based on age.

[ONECRUISER]

Actually, it's 3 and 4 passenger sail free, and not "kids" sail free. Like all sales with RCCL, they up the price of number 1 and 2, so it's not truly free. But regardless of the outcome, you are paying per bunk, and not based on age.

Was just going say that, most "SALES" the 1st and 2nd passenger price is increased at start of "SALE" so 3rd 4th isn't really free... Kids aint free and my Waiter/Room Attendant work harder for my Kids-Now Grand Kids then ever have to for me... And for those who didn't read all pages of this thread OP has already realized they didn't pay full price for their 9 month old...

[FloridaPalms]

Actually, it's 3 and 4 passenger sail free, and not "kids" sail free. Like all sales with RCCL, they up the price of number 1 and 2, so it's not truly free. But regardless of the outcome, you are paying per bunk, and not based on age.

 

Actually, that's not always true. On their last "kids sail free" promotion, the kids had to actually be kids 12 and under. It really was a sale, albeit one I could not take advantage of as my grandsons are older teenagers.

 

But usually it is 3rd and 4th, regardless of age, and the fares for 1st and 2nd are upped accordingly.

 

~ Judy

[BarryFromBoston]

I think that with per person food costs so low, when purchasing on a fleet-wide level, the food factor doesn't indicate a substantive discount. If they surcharged $20 for each time a baby disturbs a performance or a guest napping at the pool, I'm guessing you still come out ahead. Just guesses, of course.

 

 

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[haybella1316]

I have sailed with young kids and feel it is an unfair practice. I'll buy the life jacket that fits and keep the extra 1300. Aside from the port fees and manifest there is literally nothing a baby costs a cruise line.

 

 

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[Clarea]

I have sailed with young kids and feel it is an unfair practice. I'll buy the life jacket that fits and keep the extra 1300. Aside from the port fees and manifest there is literally nothing a baby costs a cruise line.

The price for the baby is not based on what the baby costs the cruise line. It's based on the market value of a passenger berth.

[gerif]

I have sailed with young kids and feel it is an unfair practice. I'll buy the life jacket that fits and keep the extra 1300. Aside from the port fees and manifest there is literally nothing a baby costs a cruise line.

 

 

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They also add absolutely nothing to the bottom line - no alcohol, no bingo, no casino gambling, no specialty restaurants - actually costs them in the long run.

[42CruiseCrazy]

They also add absolutely nothing to the bottom line - no alcohol, no bingo, no casino gambling, no specialty restaurants - actually costs them in the long run.

 

 

I agree there may be the lost opportunity for additional revenue but no actual cost to the cruise line. A couple with a baby occupies the same cabin as a couple without a baby. The couple with the baby actually earns the cruise line an additional fare without any significant additional costs. Let's not confuse the potential for income with real costs.

 

 

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[Grandma Dazzles]

I have sailed with young kids and feel it is an unfair practice. I'll buy the life jacket that fits and keep the extra 1300. Aside from the port fees and manifest there is literally nothing a baby costs a cruise line.

 

 

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Please read the thread for an explanation of how berths are sold and appropriate pricing.

 

Babies/children still make laundry, garbage (especially diapers), messes at dining facilities, use splash zones, play areas, etc.

[CRZCRAZY]

On carnival you're paying a reduced amount for 3 or more passengers no matter what age.

[Doggielover68]

I agree there may be the lost opportunity for additional revenue but no actual cost to the cruise line. A couple with a baby occupies the same cabin as a couple without a baby. The couple with the baby actually earns the cruise line an additional fare without any significant additional costs. Let's not confuse the potential for income with real costs.

 

 

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Keep in mind that ships have a maximum number of passengers due to space, safety, lifeboats, etc. While your baby might not make an impact on your room, when the ship sails full you could be preventing an extra (revenue creating) adult from occupying another room.

 

In addition, the crew still has to do the same amount (or more) cleaning, diaper disposal, etc. You always have the option of not bringing your child or waiting until they are older.

 

 

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[42CruiseCrazy]

Keep in mind that ships have a maximum number of passengers due to space, safety, lifeboats, etc. While your baby might not make an impact on your room, when the ship sails full you could be preventing an extra (revenue creating) adult from occupying another room.

 

In addition, the crew still has to do the same amount (or more) cleaning, diaper disposal, etc. You always have the option of not bringing your child or waiting until they are older.

 

 

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Using this kind of rationale means that the cruise line would be much better off if they banned all children and all adults who are nondrinkers and nongamblers and only allowed alcoholics and compulsive gamblers on board. (By the way, I don't have a baby. My kids are over 30 and have been out of diapers for many years). My point is that the cruise lines should not discriminate based solely on how much passengers will spend. Good business practises are fair business practises.

 

 

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Edited April 17, 2017 by 42CruiseCrazy