Should I Plan a Cruise?

JLHeisler

So for those of you who may or may not have read my introduction mine is complicated.  Basically long story short I didn't know I was pregnant until I was 17 weeks and I didn't know how far along I was until 19 weeks.  I found out the gender on my first OB appointment.  Big shock.

So anyway we were in the midst of the beginning of planning a Disney cruise with a friend.  At the time we both had one 5-6 year old girls.  My friend and I have been friends since we were our daughter's ages.  We were really wanting to do this.  The trip isn't going to be set until 2020.  So baby will be 1 year old.  I'm not the happiest camper about boat travel but I was allowing myself to get excited about this.  Now I don't know if I want or should go on this very expensive cruise because I will have a one year old.  Does anyone on here have experience with a one year old on a cruise?  or a Disney cruise specifically?  

I was thinking maybe if I can wrap my head around leaving littlest one with my parents for five days having a special trip with just our oldest daughter like the original plan was for?  Would leaving behind a one year old for a family trip like this make me a bad mom?  The deposit is going to be due in like a month and I feel like I need to make a decision here.  I know I won't enjoy myself on the cruise with an infant.  But should I sacrifice my own enjoyment so that we can all be together?  Would mom be a nightmare to be around if I'm miserable and that ruins everyone's fun?  

Just looking for some opinions....

canuckmomma

My thoughts... Disney goes above and beyond and I think they would totally accommodate and wash away any worries you had about bringing a one year old. Second thought, you would NOT be a "bad mom" if you left one year old home to enjoy this special trip with your older girl. I left my one year old at home with grandma for 7 days while hubby and I went on a special vacation last winter. He was on formula by that point and very familiar with my other family so I did not worry. Personally I would still book it, can you decide if you're comfortable with bringing baby/leaving baby home closer to the date? That way you may know more.

foodislove

Everything @canuckmomma said.

ameliabedelia-2

I'd totally go, but leave baby! You'd probably have more fun. They would absolutely be accommodating of an infant, but I believe all of their activities are geared towards a slightly older crowd. 

Cbeanz

Definitely go! Please plan one for me as well. This mama desperately needs a vacay.

Thx.

annewheeler2

We took our daughter at six months on a Disney cruise but a one year old would be harder. She wasn’t mobile but they wouldn’t let her in the pool with a swim diaper, they have to be potty trained for a Disney cruise. The dinners are fun and exciting though so it might be easy to keep the one year old entertained. I would honestly leave the little with family and enjoy the trip. 

tova24

Yaaaaaas! I took my son when he was 1 (took my 4 year old niece too) and we had a blast! The nursery was great, you could order any food for your lo, the splash pad was great, unlimited ice cream. Need I say more?

realhousewife519

@JLHeisler leaving behind the 1y/o with parents for a few days definitely does not make you a bad mom. You shouldn’t feel guilty. I left my son with his dad and MIL for a week when he was 1. I was on a work trip but tacked on a few days to enjoy the beach. I did not feel guilty, but i DID miss my little guy a lot more than I expected to, which sometimes impeded my enjoyment of the beach, especially when I saw other moms on the beach with their little ones. Either way, whether you choose to take your littlest one or not, you should go and enjoy yourself! 

tsa208

We have the wedding of dear friends to attend in Spain this fall - definitely leaving the 2 year old behind (but bringing the baby as he'll only be 3 months). I don't feel bad at all - the toddler will not have any idea what she's missing and it will give her grandparents some valuable one on one time. So I vote go, leave the 1 year old behind, and enjoy the special time with the older child. I'm sure this will be an incredible memory for her, especially after a year of learning to "share" mama with the new baby.

Bear14+

I also vote for going and leaving the 1 year old with family  

leylea89

Also on the go train. One thing to also consider is that with a little baby who’s gonna absorb all of your attention, your daughter will have a chance to just bond with you if you leave little one with grandparents. Ships probably have WiFi so you can call the baby and check in. Making memories with your daughter is a good thing and definitely doesn’t make you a bad mom.

hakele

The internet and calls is incredibly expensive from the ship. But you can usually call very easily from land. @JLHeisler what itinerary are you looking to do? I know loads of people who have taken their babies on DCL and I’m planning one for Jan or Feb 2020 probably. Disney caters to fami,it’s more than any other cruise line and they do not skimp on service. They offer a pack n play, Diaper genie (no stinky room), bottle warmers, for your room. The it’s a small world nursery is only $4.50 an hour. They will purée any veggies you want for you, and even bring it in room service (which is free onboard the Disney ships!). Babies must be 6 months old before travel. Some nice aspects to cruising. Easy to get back to the room for nap time. It’s a family friendly ship so you’ll be spoiled rotten with a baby. The boat is already rocking! Lol. Depending on your itinerary, that would influence my decision to take baby.

JLHeisler

I didn't even think about the swim diaper not being allowed...........this sort of solidifies things for me.  That alone would make the trip not fun for my 6 year old daughter.  Mom not able to get in the pool that much?  She'd hate it.