March 09 with 8-month old twins

[Volunton]

Okay. First cruise for my partner and I with our babies.

 

We won't be taking carseats/strollers. But we want to know about bringing ready-made formula and about 'accomodations' on the ship ie. cribs/high-chairs.

 

In the past, I've taken Carnival and Princess. We both took NCL (Jewel and Sun) in March and Dec. 2007 respectively.

 

So, any ideas on a line/ship for late March 2009 for 7 (to 10) days that would meet our needs!

 

Thanks!

[6rugrats]

Why aren't you bringing car seats and strollers? IMO, you really should.

 

I think all cruiselines can provide high chairs and cribs or pack-n-plays. You will want to bring your own formula.

 

I think you should choose a cruiseline that you both enjoy with a good itinerary. The babies will be happy if you are.

[kitty9]

You're really, really going to want a stroller unless you're planning on carrying the babies everywhere. And, you didn't mention what line you prefer and that makes a difference. Some lines provide lots of amenities for babies, but some offer absolutely nothing and some won't provide any kind of babysitting until the child is 12 months. Also, you need to book ASAP. March is spring break time and there's not a lot out there, and with airlines severely cutting flights, you may not even find an available flight at this late date. Most ships provide pack and plays for sleeping.

[cb at sea]

I agree! Bring a stroller! Carrying babies all the time is exhausting! They don't have to be huge (umbrella style will store nicely) but you really will need it!

You will need all your own formula, diapers, wipes, etc....The ship doesn't sell or provide "baby" stuff.

They will have high-chairs/booster seats, P&P's, etc.

[Keith1010]

I think you need to clarify your post. I am not sure how you can not take strollers or car seats. Can you clarify this?

 

Keith

[Kerry's Girls]

Princess will provide baby food, but it must be pre-arranged. You'd still bring your own formula.

 

As all previous posters have mentioned - you'll need the strollers. Not just for transport, but as a place to put sleeping babies while you eat/walk, etc. Very often I sat in the dining room while my girls (or one of them) slept in the stroller. Also, good strollers with a sun cover will provide protection from the sun while you're outside. I've cruised with my double (tandem) stroller many times with absolutely no problem and it's going with us again next week even though my twins are now 4 years old. (Also, even if you're carrying your babies, the stroller allows you to put the diaper bag and all other necessities somewhere.)

 

I did used to cruise with my twins without car seats (obviously I was able to drive to the port). A week free from taking two babies in and out of car seats was worth the price of the vacation itself. Of course, that meant no shore excursions that required a car ride.

 

Best,

Mia

[thewolffs]

We're leaving soon for our cruise with 7-month old twins. They are still in the infant car seats, so we plan on bringing those with the tandem double stroller they snap into. They provide a pack n' play, but we are bringing 2 of the travel lite cribs, since they are smaller. We also requested 2 highchairs. We'll see how that works out. They are both on powdered formula, so we'll bring that and use the ship's water. If not, we'd have to lug a lot of bottled water on. Hopefully, their stomachs will be fine. We are taking NCL because they only charge port fees/taxes for babies under 2 and we love the flexibility with NCL. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Volunton]

I guess we were hoping (naively) not to have to bring that type of stuff. We have the Graco dual tandem (front-back) stroller with car seats. It was our hope to drive to the airport (Toronto) then just get on the shuttle to the airport then from the airport in Miami for example to the ship.

 

But I guess we'll try to use the strollers without the car seats just to give them a place to sit.

 

Do the strollers get put in carry-on for us to take the kids on then fold inside the passenger area and to access as soon as we get off the plane or do we have to package the stroller so it doesn't get damaged/LOST?

 

Please help with THAT! :)

 

We're leaning towards RCL since they have a couple of newer BIG ships we'd like to try (Freedom / Liberty).

 

We've done the 'casino at sea' program. I did talk to NCL today and the only charge for the twins would be about $140 but we've been on the ships/itineraries for the dates (March 28, March 29 dep.) we're looking at.

 

Thanks for your input on the above!

[beachchick]

I've only ever seen strollers as checked items. There's not much space inside the plane cabins to store strollers. The airlines carry them as checked items all the time, so they must have a system in place for that.

 

beachchick

[boulders]

You gate check the stroller(s). It will have to go thru xray with the rest of your carryon luggage. The babies get taken out first and carried thru security. At the gate, get a tag from the gate agent, fold up the stroller and leave it just outside the plane and then they bring it to you just outside the plane at your destination.

 

Having just gone thru yyz a couple of days ago, I don't think it's even humanly possible to carry two infants through the airport without a stroller, unless you're traveling with a posse. You will have to wheel your luggage to checkin, then thru immigration, then customs and then to the luggage belt. It's a long way. By the end, my 10 year old was ready to be carried.

 

BTW, don't forget the passports for the babies.

[Kerry's Girls]

I've flown (and cruised) with my Graco DuoGlider many, many times. We check it at the gate. Once we arrive, we let everyone get off the airplane, and the stroller is waiting at the gate for us to proceed to baggage claim.

 

I'd suggest one of you drop the other + babies & luggage at the airport, then go park the car and take the shuttle just to avoid the hassle of on/off the shuttle with babies/luggage, etc. (though I have done this by myself before).

 

Best,

Mia

[Baxter]

Having been in Toronto airport with kids many times, I would want the stroller for the airport too! We've sailed 3 times with our daughter (now 2). Can't imagine not having a stroller. We alternated between stroller and Baby Bjorn.

 

The stroller has been useful in the dining room/buffet too (for when she feel asleep).

[TammiJay]

I noticed on Carnival you could rent strollers for $25/wk.

I would go that route vs bringing my own.:)

[rebeccalouise]

Absolutely bring umbrella stroller- two of them. The hallways, cabin door and elevators are perfect for "UMBRELLA" strollers. Individual ones. Tandem or sidebyside strollers will be too bulky. The flight attendants take the strollers right before you get on the plane and they are taken below to the luggage. When you get off the plane- your stroller will the right outside the door of the plane- its a cinch. Also, I would strongly recommend infant seats for the plane ride. You probably have to buy a seat now (unless they still allow lap babies). Kids sleep better and are less fussy in the infant seats. Then if they are napping- it is easier to carry them to the next flight without disturbing them. I've done it both ways and the infant seat is the way to go. Once onboard the ship- you can store them in the closet.

 

If you go to the beach- umbrella strollers are great also. 8 month olds will not like the sand at all. This way you can find a palm tree and sit them in the shade for naps.

 

Make sure to bring swim vests if you have any intention of taking them in the ocean. Ships don't allow kids in the pools or hot tubs but if when you get off the ship- head to a nice resort (Weston, Hyatt, etc). Most of these places will charge a fee for you to use their beach but you get a nice padded beach chair and pool privileges. Kids are allowed in the pools as long as they are wearing swim diapers. So this is a nice place for your babies to swim.

[Kerry's Girls]

Absolutely bring umbrella stroller- two of them. The hallways, cabin door and elevators are perfect for "UMBRELLA" strollers. Individual ones. Tandem or sidebyside strollers will be too bulky.

 

 

I agree about the side-by-sides, but I have cruised five times with a tandem (the same one the OP has) and it has never been a problem. When there are twins, I'd think it would be better to have a double stroller so you don't always have to have both adults to push them.

 

I do always try to get a cabin near the elevators since the long corridor can sometimes be a challenge to navigate getting to/from the cabin - but having the double stroller is worth it to me. If the adults don't anticipate wanting to leave both babies with one adult during the cruise, then I agree - good umbrella strollers that recline and have a sun guard would be great.

 

Best,

Mia

[Kimjergen]

I'd have to agree with all the other posters, bringing your stroller along is a MUST - it's not only a great place to put your sleeping babies or wheel them around for people watching, they also are used to it and find comfort in knowing what to expect by being in their typical stroller while away from the typical schedule and comforts of home. Are they 8 months now or will they be 8 months when you travel in late March. Most babies are crawling by then so plan on creating some floor time with them to keep them happy. Powdered formula will work perfectly, but I'd suggest using bottled water for consistency for their little digestive tracks(remember the norwalk virus a few years ago on the ships?), you can purchase H2O on the ship if you don't want to bring it from home or have the taxi take you by a grocery store/convenience store on your way to the port and check a case of it like luggage right to your cabin for economical benefit.

 

As far as Toronto to Miami goes, my kids are older now but we've done that leg of travel many times (my in-laws live in Toronto and we live in Miami) Keep in mind that car-seats are the law in Florida so you need to bring them along or rent them with a car rental plus they are safer for take off and landing if empty seats are available on your flight and they are lap babies.(or you can just check the seats and pick up with your luggage) Miami International is only about 10 miles from the port but mostly expressway driving so you really would want the twins in car seats for safety.

 

As far as itineraries for young children, my kids loved playing at the beach by coral world in St Thomas and looking at the marine life at coral world. Or just being strolled around in Key West, Mexico and the Bahamas. Don't forget to get them some wide brimmed sun hats and baby sunscreen and some swim diapers along for the beach. Also grab some extra towels from the ship along with you to the beach. When my kids were younger we went on Carnival as people were tolerant of babies and the kids liked watching other kids play. As they've gotten older they actually like Holland America which has less kids but they get lots of attention. We are going on our first NCL cruise later this week, we'll see how it goes.

 

Anyhow, good luck and have fun. Hope this helps! Kim

 

ps- closest grocery stores to Miami International if you want to get case of water or diapers is in Miami Springs (Milam's Market on Curtiss Parkway about 2 miles north of airport) or Hialeah(about 2 1/2 miles there is a Publix Grocery Store on Hialeah Drive) other than that there are several gas station/convenience stores type things near the airport or down by the port in downtown. There are many neighborhoods closer to downtown but you might not want to go there.

[Volunton]

We will end up bringing the double tandem (front back) stroller and car seats. I guess we'll just have to get a big enough taxi to take our stuff and attach the car seats (without the docking seat that will stay in the back seat of our car back here in Toronto).

 

We're probably taking the NCL Pearl as there's only a tax/port fee and not the ridiculous $$$ that Royal Caribbean (and most of the others) want!

 

I'll make note of the swimmers/sun hats/sun screen, etc.!

[6rugrats]

Do the strollers get put in carry-on for us to take the kids on then fold inside the passenger area and to access as soon as we get off the plane or do we have to package the stroller so it doesn't get damaged/LOST?

 

Please help with THAT! :)

 

 

Just a warning - most airlines will not take responsibility for damage to your stroller if it's not boxed and checked in at the check-in counter. Probably worth the risk to gate check it though.

[beachchick]

Just a warning - most airlines will not take responsibility for damage to your stroller if it's not boxed and checked in at the check-in counter. Probably worth the risk to gate check it though.

 

Thanks for mentioning that. I realized that I didn't specify "gate checked" when I said "checked." I should have been clearer.

 

beachchick

[Karysa]

Not sure if this has been mentioned before but once when we went on a resort vacation and had limited trunk space we had to leave our twin stroller home so we purchased 2 inexpensive umbrella strollers and clips that we could use to put them together when only one parent was available to take them for a walk. They were easy to put together and take apart and it gave us some flexibility.

Karysa

[drunk on natualr]

We are planning a March cruise with a 7 month old. Regarding the infant car seat, do we really need it just for the shuttle to the hotel and then to the port? Do shuttles have the base to clip the car seat into? Also, for shore excursions, could we not carry the baby in our lap and have in a Baby bjorn? Sorry if these are stupid questions, but this is our first time traveling by air/sea with the baby! Also, are the strollers that come with the travel systems too bulky for getting around the ship?

[rebeccalouise]

Taxi companies and car rentals can provide carseats upon request but I'd bring my own because you have to learn to use the ones they provide and the clock is ticking! You can always stow it in the cabin closet.

[Kimjergen]

We will end up bringing the double tandem (front back) stroller and car seats. I guess we'll just have to get a big enough taxi to take our stuff and attach the car seats (without the docking seat that will stay in the back seat of our car back here in Toronto).

 

We're probably taking the NCL Pearl as there's only a tax/port fee and not the ridiculous $$$ that Royal Caribbean (and most of the others) want!

 

I'll make note of the swimmers/sun hats/sun screen, etc.!

 

In Miami there are plenty of van taxis so you should have no problem getting all your accoutrements in the taxi heading for the port. There is a taxi attendant at MIA who will specifically help you get a van in the taxi line so don't worry. I don't know how far away from the airport you live in Toronto, but maybe a neighbor or friend with a mini van can take you to Pearson or just call cabs specifically requesting a van. My in-laws have a house in Bolton and way out in Tweed so we usually rent a car but I have definitely seen some van taxis in Toronto too. I've heard the Pearl is extremely nice, you'll have a wonderful time once you get all your neccessary items onboard! Has anyone mentioned that kids actually sleep better on ships? - definitely a plus;)

 

ps- I forgot to mention there is also a brand newTarget store close to downtown(on N. Miami Ave) along the way to the port just off the expressway, you could get bottled H20, sunhats, swimdiapers etc or whatever you need there that you either can't find in the winter in Toronto or just didn't want to drag along on the plane.

 

Best,

Kim

[Kimjergen]

We are planning a March cruise with a 7 month old. Regarding the infant car seat, do we really need it just for the shuttle to the hotel and then to the port? Do shuttles have the base to clip the car seat into? Also, for shore excursions, could we not carry the baby in our lap and have in a Baby bjorn? Sorry if these are stupid questions, but this is our first time traveling by air/sea with the baby! Also, are the strollers that come with the travel systems too bulky for getting around the ship?

 

Shuttles don't have the clip and frequently don't even have seatbelts but taxis have seatbelts that can at least secure the seat. I am a native Miamian and the streets are busy, tons of construction and foreign drivers and truthfully you baby would be safer in his/her carseat. The Baby bjorn is great for walking around the ship, on shore etc but the car seat is a nice place to put the baby while in the room when taking a shower as an alternate to the crib if they are awake and frequently they feel safe and content sitting in it as it is familiar to them although an umbrella stroller is great for this type of thing too and very light, small and easy to bring along.

[Kimjergen]

I forgot to address one part of your question -Your stroller would wheel around the ship just fine. Keep in mind that elderly cruise passengers frequently use those motorized scooters around the ship, in elevators, etc and strollers are significantly smaller plus a stroller is a good place to have the baby while at the pool, library, restaurants if sleeping. Also the basket of the stroller is great to have being it holds your diaper bag, purchases, drinks etc while walking around ship or shore. With the baby bjorn only, you'll be lugging around a diaper bag and any souvenirs or drinks in your hands all day long.

If you want to bring a smaller stroller, get an umbrella stroller they become your main stroller as your child becomes a toddler anyway and they are inexpensive and WAY less bulky.