Facilities for 18 month old on Star

[ellie1145]

We are trying to find out what facilities there are for amusing an active 18 month old on Star.

 

We have called NCL who seem to know nothing.

 

Is there an area where we can take him to play with us supervising him, like on RCI?

 

What time is the kids club open and is it available on port days?

 

This is our first experience of taking a toddler on a ship, so any advice would be very welcome.

 

This is our first and very long awaited grandchild so we are excited at the prospect of introducing him to cruising at a young age! ;)

[mjkacmom]

Not sure about a playroom, they have to be 3 for drop off, and there are no pools or splash areas for diapered kids.

[Sauer-kraut]

A balcony cabin or mini suite with the curtain you can draw across from the bed to section off the cabin during naptime is something to consider.

 

Being flexible and keep to the child's schedule. Be prepared to leave a dining room if the child is fussy.

 

Bring a small inflatable "pool" so the child can splash on the balcony or on the pool deck.

 

There is port babysitting for a fee but I am not sure if they will take under 3's. I think you really need to think that the child will basically be with you 24/7.

[gymbomb]

There will be a room with toys open most of the day (I think hours on the ships we've been on have been 9-9?) where you can take him to play. There are also usually 2 short programs on sea days and 1 on port days led by the youth staff, stuff like painting or story time. You must stay with him and provide supervision during all of these. We have used them on a couple of ships with our son when he was 10 months and 27 months.

 

That's about it -- the kids club and drop off programs are only for ages 3+.

[Silver Sweethearts]

This is our first and very long awaited grandchild so we are excited at the prospect of introducing him to cruising at a young age! ;)

 

Just in case you will be taking your grandchild by yourselves, do remember that most, if not all, cruise lines require an appropriate form(s) from the parents allowing you to take the child with you, and also giving you permission to act on their behalf should the child have a medical emergency. You might want to run this past NCL.

[ellie1145]

A balcony cabin or mini suite with the curtain you can draw across from the bed to section off the cabin during naptime is something to consider.

 

Being flexible and keep to the child's schedule. Be prepared to leave a dining room if the child is fussy.

 

Bring a small inflatable "pool" so the child can splash on the balcony or on the pool deck.

 

There is port babysitting for a fee but I am not sure if they will take under 3's. I think you really need to think that the child will basically be with you 24/7.

 

Thank you for all your responses. Love the idea of the small inflatable paddling pool.

 

Luckily our grandsons parents are going with us as he is a mini whirlwind at the moment, having just started to walk, or rather run! He's adorable but exhausting.

 

Unfortunately we can't manage a balcony this time. 😢

 

Pleased to hear there's a playroom we can take him to.

[Sauer-kraut]

you can put the splash pool in the shower for playtime or bathtime!

[cb at sea]

Don't bring a POOL...bring an inflatable tub. That will fit in the shower...a "pool" will not. The tub is small, so it won't take up space on the crowded pool deck. A couple ice buckets worth of water is fine for "splashing". Empty into a FLOOR or SHOWER drain....do NOT empty onto the deck or into the pool!

[ellie1145]

Don't bring a POOL...bring an inflatable tub. That will fit in the shower...a "pool" will not. The tub is small, so it won't take up space on the crowded pool deck. A couple ice buckets worth of water is fine for "splashing". Empty into a FLOOR or SHOWER drain....do NOT empty onto the deck or into the pool!

 

Another great idea! Thanks,

 

Now does anyone know the secret to getting him to sleep through the night????? :') All suggestions gratefully received ..... Maybe we should have got him the Premium Drinks Package, too......;)

 

Only joking... But sleepless nights COULD drive you to drink! Ha ha!

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Kids sleep really soundly on cruises. The rocking motion helps