Cruising with twins!

growbeangrow

We booked a week long cruise with our twins to Bermuda in September. At that time, they will be just under 10 months old. Any tips, especially from those of you with experience? What should we pack? Should we get a cheap umbrella stroller (or two) instead of using our City Select double stroller? What'd you do for food?

BabyCarryingVessel

Have you ever cruised before? I have, but not with babies, so I don't have much good advice.

growbeangrow

Yes, we have. I thought I'd hate cruising but we went on 2 the last few years (including one while I was pregnant with the twins) and I actually loved it. 

Rachel Goldstein

I haven't cruised with the babies yet they're only 3months but we aren't planning another until they are about two. We've been on 6 cruises with 3 different cruise lines. I would leave your nice expensive stroller behind and take an umbrella!

E&RMommy

Rachel Goldstein:

I haven't cruised with the babies yet they're only 3months but we aren't planning another until they are about two. We've been on 6 cruises with 3 different cruise lines. I would leave your nice expensive stroller behind and take an umbrella!

Agreed.  I've been on 5 cruises as well.  You cannot pay me to take the kids.  Long lines, nothing is baby or toddler proofed, having to sit in the cabin while they nap.  Most lines do not allow swimming diapers into the pools.  My friend just took her one daughter on a Disney cruise at age 2 and hated it. 

The kids are 3 this month and we won't vacation with them until at least another year. 

I'd also not take the nice stroller - just 2 small umbrellas.

Good luck! 

mirnb

Haven't cruised with our boys but have before them and have taken ours on vacay....I would suggest 2 separate umbrella strollers with the clips to attach them if needed....also for food when we went on vacay with our boys i bought a bunch of those organic fruit and veggie pouches to keep in the diaper bag...that way if their wasn't something for them to eat I always had an alternative! 

twobytwomom

We took our 1st set of twins (our boys who are now 4.5) on a cruise when they were 10 months old. It was our 6th time crusing, but the 1st with them. I have to be honest...it was not enjoyable. It is the only thing I can say in the past almost 5 years with them that I really didn't enjoy. The rooms are so tiny, so adding cribs to the mix leaves virtually no room. Any time they cried I was afraid we would disturb everyone around us since the walls are so thin. They can't go into the pools, so on days at sea, there wasn't much to do with them. Overall, it was just a ton of work and not that much fun. Off the ship, I enjoyed the vacation with them. Just on the ship was difficult. They were eating mostly table food at the time, so they ate what was on the ship. The kitchens are very accomodating if you need anything. I packed formula. Also, bring a blow up baby pool since they can't use the pools most likely (filtration issues, unless you're on a disney cruise). It is probably easier to maneuver unbrella strollers vs city select. We brought our maclaran double umbrella though and had no problems with that. Good luck! You may end up loving it! Let me know if you have any questions! 

jules2123

I have worked in the cruise industry for 16 years, and I cruised with my twins twice before they were 2. I will admit, it's not the most fun thing we've done with them. But, since you're booked try to make the most of it! Here are my two cents: bring two umbrella strollers; correct that they will not be able to go in the pool, but bring a few swim diapers for when you're in Bermuda; bring dish washing liquid and a bottle scrubber to wash your bottles in your cabin if they are still on bottles, brings plenty of snacks they like; I brought a baby food hand grinder for table food, veggies, etc... but you might not need it (ask your waiter what they can do, they are very accommodating); bring any DVDs you might want for them to watch if there is a DVD player in your cabin, or bring a portable DVD player; bring a sound machine to drown out potential noise; if you plan on doing laundry bring any special detergent you might use; bring small toys and books for your cabin... yes, it's a pain bringing all that stuff, but you'll need it! Good luck, and try to enjoy!

Reilly626

I have to agree with others it's gonna be a ton of work and not much fun in a cramped cabin. Can you wait till they are off bottles at least? In Bermuda it's so hot and sun is so strong you may need a stroller with a cover.

nuttycoconut

My DH's family just invited us on a family reunion cruise this winter. The babies will just be 1. I was excited about it but after reading these posts I'm realizing how much work it will be! I hope you enjoy yourself and I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip and any advice you have for me:)

E&RMommy

Disney does not allow swim diapers in their pools.