What I learned traveling the Conquest with 8 month old

[vettecruiser1]

Expectations- Keep them low, this is true if you cruised before and know the experience. We decided to do a route that we have done many times before so, we knew we were not going to miss anything.

Comfort- A must is a balcony room. Our child does not sleep with us at home so when he was trying to get comfortable during bed times if he saw us, he thought it meant play time. We would excuse ourselves to the balcony with a drink and the portable IPOD and watch the water. After the drink come back in the room and alseep baby. My child sleep more on this trip then he ever does at home.

Knowledge- we went to the camp the first day to find out the true times for them to watch him. On sea days they watch the little ones from 12:00 to 2:00 and of course at night after 10:00pm. On port days they watch them from 8:00am-12:00 on again after 10:00pm for a fee of $6 an hour. This is a steal. The staff actually incouraged us to leave the ship on port days and enjoy some island time. We were unsure at first because the beepers do not work once off the ship, but after the first sea day and talking to the staff they are truly wonderful. We got to know a few better then other and one girl actually had lunch with us when we were in Cozumel. My son usually does not take naps anymore after lunch and after playing in camp he would come back to the room and crash hard.

Pool- Be sure to get a blow up pool of some sort. We took a blow up bathtub, it was small and could also fit in the shower which worked great for bath-time. We did see people abusing the swim diaper rule, but we did not want to be rule breakers, and usually secruity was on top of it. We were the only one on deck with a blow-up pool which I thought was interesting.

Toys-bring toys for dinner that don't make to much noise. We did not want to bother other peoples dinner. Here is the funny part. The ladies sitting next to us came over on the first night and said that they were missing their grandchildren and asked if they could hold our son. We said sure. Well every night he was gone for about an hour with them. They would pass him around and snuggle him, it was great. As for the best toy. He really enjoyed the silver spoons in the dining room. They felt good on this teething gums. Also camp only rents gameboys and strollers, so I was not able to rent a jumper, but that is just FYI.

 

What I would do different next time. I would try and schedule our trip around grandparents off time. We could not do it this time since I got such a good deal. But grandparents helping would have been great for my wife since she stayed in the cabin at night with the little one and did not get to see many shows. Also after watching the walking babies on the ship we will need more help keeping up with our child. I thought a crawling child was hard, those walkers are elusive.

 

Oh just some tidbits. When getting on the ship we were given VIP status and pulled out of the long line, since they did not want the baby to get fussy. Also, besure to talk to the host at dinner. She had the chef blend up some food everynight that was waiting on us when we entered the dinning room. She also made sure our orders were rushed, because you never know how much time you have before the baby decided dinner is over. Don't be surprised if everybody knows you childs name by the end of the cruise, even if they don't know your name. Even the casino people knew my sons name. They are treated like stars!!!

[crusinmama06]

Sounds like you had a nice vacation. And you're right, an 8 month old is much easier than a toddler. :)

 

Once your child turns 1, you could take advantage of in-cabin sitting on RCCL if your wife wants to get out and see some shows. (I see you have done some RCCL ships in the past)

 

Welcome back! :D

[vettecruiser1]

Thanks for reminding about that, I forgot.

 

I wish I was still on the ship, I'm missing my mid-morning and mid-afternoon naps and Ice Cream time.

[CruizinMom2c]

Thanks for the post...it has given me some tips.

 

 

We cruised the Conquest back in 2004 but that was our honeymoon (so pre-baby) and I understand what you mean about having lower expectations.

[fleeflicker]

Does RCCL rent strollers?

[crusinmama06]

Does RCCL rent strollers?

 

Take your own. You'll be glad you did. Get an umbrella stroller that reclines, has some storage and has a roof for shade. Umbrella strollers fold quickly/easily and are flatter for storage in the cabin.

 

And I especially like having the umbrella stroller in the airport because it frees up my arms. I always know where the kids are. And it gives me an extra space to hang a camera bag ;)