Cruising with Baby

Carnation77

I haven't posted on this board before but since people here have older babies I thought some of you might have some experience with this.  We're going on a 7 day Caribbean cruise with DS when he'll be 6 1/2 months old.  (We have tons of family coming, are staying in suites, and are driving to the port so I think it should be doable.)  I'm trying to figure out how to feed him and wash his clothes on the cruise.  I originally planned to BF but we've been supplementing with formula at DC and I'm honestly looking forward to weaning him.  I hate pumping at work and I'm ready for it to be over.  So assuming he's mostly FF on the cruise, does anyone have any recommendations on whether I should take ready-to-feed or powder?  And if I take powder, where should I get the water?  Sink?  Bottled water?  Boil it in an electric kettle that I bring?  As far as washing his clothes, I have two options.  I can either pay for it per item or I can wash by hand (there are no self-service laundry machines on this cruise ship).  Has anyone washed baby clothes by hand with Woolite?  How did it go?  Did it bother your baby's skin?  (DS has pretty bad eczema.)  Thank you!

snowboarder87

Hi There,

I have never Cruised with a baby, however are planning in the next year or so... I guess by then she will be a toddler.. however, consider myself a bit of a "Seasoned Cruiser" Do not worry about the Bottles! There are plenty of bars/ buffets to accommodate, where you can get cold or warm water, and plenty of staff willing to help at every corner. I'd just plan to prepare bottles as you do at home.  If you have to do laundry, most ships have a Laundry service.

RIngReady

We cruised with our 7 month old and it was fine. I EBF, but like PP said there are tons of places to get water while on the ship. I guess I would recommend bringing or buying a few bottles of water just in case there is a Noro virus outbreak if that would make you feel better although it probably isn't necessary. As for the clothes, if you don't want to bring enough clothes for the while trip, I guess I would wash it in the sink. If I recall laundry per item was pretty expensive-I want to say $1.25 per pair of pants, however most ships I have been on have had the option of purchasing a laundry service where it is a flat fee for a load. 

I don't know what cruise line you are going on, but check their diaper policy too. My sister was on a ship a few years ago where they required her to put dirty diapers in a biohazard bag, and they charged her for the bags. 

Relax, it will be so much fun and hopefully pretty relaxing for you and your family.