Cruising with friends w/ toddlers?

[CrusinTchr79]

Hi all,

My husband and I have been approached by some of our close friends (two of which will have two year olds the time of the proposed cruise) to go on an Alaskan cruise next summer. We are hesitant to lay down the major cash needed for this trip, because we fear the two two year olds will put a bit of tension between those of us without them. I know the lines have programs for this type of situation, but our friends have already said they will not be leaving their kids with strangers. I guess what I am asking, is for those of you who have cruised in this situation, would you do it again?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[beach2sea]

While I haven't gone on a cruise with other people with children I have been on land vacations with them. Even with that extra ability to go off and do things, it is a nightmare.

 

Your friends won't leave their kids with strangers. So, one or both of them will be staying in the room in the evening. This will provide you with some time to yourselves.

 

Willl all the shore excursions be chosen around the interest levels of two year olds or will you be able to book something by yourself.

 

What are the dining habits of these two year olds? Do they like to eat early? Do you? Or perhaps you could dine by yourselves.

 

While your friends are entertaining their children what are you supposed to do? Or are you one big extended family for the course of the trip.

 

I'd think long and hard to see if there is any benefit in this for you.

[GottaLuvCruising]

I have not and I absolutely would not. I'd feel that it would totally cramp my vacation.

 

I would advise that you and your friend clearly lay down the ground rules before you book anything.

[bplazo]

If I didnt have kids with me on a cruise I certainly wouldnt go on vacation with someone who did especially the "terrible two" stage.

[quiltingandcruising]

I won't even take my 19 and 22 year olds with me on my alaska cruise - I would never go with anyone taking a two year old - let alone 2 two year olds. Call me mean if you want but if I am going on a vacation it will be to relax - If these were close friends I would invite them to spend time with me, my kids, at my house.

[bububr]

How often do you travel?

 

Have you been to Alaska?

 

Have you been on a cruise before?

 

If you have been, and have seen and done many things and want to spend time with your friends...I'd say do it.

 

If you've never been on a cruise, or to Alaska...I'd say don't.

 

Regardless if they are going to spend a lot of time in the cabin with their families, they will want or expect you to do things with them also. This is going to involve lots of time, and possible cranky children, cutting your adventure short, or stopping it all together. Most excursions also place an age limit on those who can go...they might be too young for something you want to do...so you may not get to do it.

 

I personally would tell them, thanks, but " You are going to have your hands full with your children, and for us to do certain things or go certain places that you may not be able to go may cause some animosity between us. I value our friendship greatly and at this time I don't think travelling on a cruise together is the right thing at this time"

 

I also persaonally think that this might be the wrong vacation for them at this time. I feel they should wait till the kids are a bit older, they are less paranoid, and the entire family co uld enjoy a cruise vacation.

 

Dave:eek:

[kitty9]

If they refuse to leave their children with anyone at any time during the cruise, what kind of fun are they going to have? They can't do the casino, the lounges in the evenings aren't for toddlers, some of the shows aren't child appropriate, if you chose a ship that has fancy alternate restaurants they can't bring the 2 year olds because those places have minimum ages. As for Alaska, most of the shore excursions aren't that 2 year old friendly, plus for many of the excursions, it's a lot of money to pay for a 2 year old. If I didn't have kids, I really would never want to cruise with friends who do. Parents live in a different world than those of us who are childless and being on a cruise ship could exacerbate any tiny situation into a very big one.

[BARBARA J.W.]

I LOVE CHILDREN AND I WORK WITH THEM ALMOST EVERY DAY...

NO WAY WOULD I WANT TO CRUISE WITH THEM.........

Two yrs can be very sweeeeeeet............

But if something is'nt going their way.........OH NO............

They get tired,They need naps...........

I think I would do alot of thinking and talking before taking

the cruise.........

You and your husband's schedule will be alot different then the other

Two couples.So you two will have sometime together......

The other two couples will have to go to their cabins early.....

Good luck.......

HAPPY CRUISING..........

[mrsfuzzmo]

We HAVE done this....BUT we always discuss it before we go and agree with all parties that this is EVERYONE'S vacation. We go with the understanding that we are all on our trips by ourselves, for ourselves, and for different times of the day and/or different events, we all meet up. We generallly take our own excursions, make all of our own schedules and if they intersect with each other, great, if not, fine. We always have plenty of time together and plenty of "alone" time and it works out well. If the other parties involved, though, do not agree with this, it may not work. You have to be open and honest and just tell them, "We would love to go, but we will be spending our time as we like it and not around the schedule of the toddlers."

[cherylandtk]

I really have nothing to add to all the excellent comments above, but I just want to say I agree with all of them and would either not go in this instance, or make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that the others understand you will not be spending much, if any, time with boisterous/cranky/fussy/active children (even if the parents do).

[Cotton]

Yes, some good sound replies.

 

This would be a no-brainer for me. I would never consider this type arrangement. I cruise for relaxation, and I somehow can't even imagine having friends along who must spend most of their time on their children....and they will definitely be doing that. This would not be a vacation to me.

 

Some feelings are bound to be hurt somewhere along the line. I think you would be wise to pass on this one.;)

[cruisinbuddy]

If you really want to go then make sure you tell them that you're not babysitting the kids. If you want to do something that is not 2y/o friendly, too bad for them, go, it'll give you more to talk about at dinner. Hope you like early seating. I met a couple on a ship with a 2 y/o and hardly ever saw mom. Good luck.

[BaumD]

Even if they would leave the kids with someone else, most ship's kid's program require that the kids be 3 and toilet trained.

[Cotton]

The OP didn't mention which line, but if it's Carnival - Their policy for Camp Carnival is that children must be 24 months old, and not a day younger, and they must be potty-trained. The kids younger than that can go to Camp Carnival...but a parent has to stay with them the entire time they're there.

 

Babysitting services are certain hours only, and are $6 per hour. I also wonder if the parents are aware that children who aren't potty-trained cannot use the pools, not even in swim diapers.;)

[caviargal]

Alaska is an investment and should be explored thoroughly to be fully appreciated. There is no way toddlers are going to be able to participate in most of the better shore excursions.

 

Dinnertime will be a nightmare! How will you be able to enjoy an elegant multi course dinner with toddlers at the table?

 

And the shows as well, not the place for little kids.

 

I think Alaska is a wonderful place to visit but absolutely not in the manner you are considering.

[I&MsMom]

I have to agree with all the previous posters. We had a 25 month old on our first cruise, so I know whereof I speak! ;)

 

Trust me, their schedules and yours are not likely to mesh, especially if they are taking the attitude they won't leave the children with "strangers"! In the cabin early in the evening (no late shows or dancing in the disco), and up first thing in the am with hungry ones to feed asap (no leisurely cup of coffee from room service). If they want to avoid melt-downs, days must be arranged to allow for naps. Some children happily go to sleep wherever they are, others will have to be back on board.

 

We love traveling with our kids, and have taken several more cruises since that first one. We do avail ourselves of the camp (as a previous poster mentioned, Carnival will take a 2 year old and changes diapers. NCL takes 2 year olds but page you when a diaper needs changed. All others require a child be 3 and potty trained.) Even so, many shore excursions are just not an option because of the kid's ages (in theory we could leave them on the ship in camp while we're in port, just choose not to.) Then there's the other aspect of traveling with kids - it's not just them, it's their "stuff". Strollers and car seats. Diapers and sippy cups. Snacks and toys to keep them entertained.

 

I'm at a place where all of this is just normal, but pre-kids, I don't think I'd ever consider traveling in such a situation with friends who had little ones. The only conceivable way I could see this working is if they bring a nanny or sitter. Not sure if that's a possibilty though. :confused:

 

Good luck, whatever you decide!