Symphony cruising tips for sailing with a 1 and 4 year old

[sunnydaysmile]

This will be the 1st time we are sailing as a family, including 2 grandchildren ages 1 and 4.  (Parents coming too).  Looking for tips to make this a smooth sailing.

[lovescats5]

Don't expect the kids to act different.  We took an umbrella stroller for any off the ship trips.  Also brought favorite food, and drinks.  I know you can get juice and milk but maybe they don't have a flavor the kids really like.  Also had snacks, sometimes just a breakfast cereal they could eat with fingers.  We only had granddaughter but she started at 7 months.  We just knew we had to make allowances and possibly not do something we wanted because it did not fit in quite that easily.  Take lots of photos and you can show them how much fun it was when they get older.  

[EviesCruisin]

Second bringing individually wrapped sealed packaged snacks (or drinks) they like. For example, juice boxes or capri sun. When we went with my cousin's family many years back, we had some bartering on the high seas - trading juice boxes for diapers. Ha! My other tip would be to bring whatever medicines they could possibly need (children's tylenol, benadryl, etc) as they don't really sell children's medicine on the ship. Hopefully won't be needed, but a small quantity brought onboard is good peace of mind.  

 

Something fun - the walls are magnetic so if you bring the kids something magnetic like alphabet letters or animals, they can stick them to the wall. Also download some of their favorite shows to your device as they may not have TV they like on the ship. A tablet or device with some of their faves can really help get through some of the longer dinners.

[Itchy&Scratchy]

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/28-family-cruises/

 

not particular to Symphony, but provides great info on sailing with kids.