My dad has been planning a big family cruise for my mom's 60 birthday night year. Originally this cruise was planned just as a christmas present for everyone 2 years ago but my niece was born that December so we cancelled it. It is now planned for July 2011...the baby will be 6 months old. Would you go on this cruise with a 6 month old baby? If not, why? It is a week long cruise around the caribbean. Thanks in advance for the input!
Re: Would you? Re: travel with baby
I have no idea re: a cruise, but in terms of travel, at 6 months a baby isn't really mobile, so easier to look after. You're starting to wean to solids, so you can entertain them with bits off your plate during meals. And you may have lots of family members around to hold the baby while you actually eat, etc. Swimming might be a problem on a cruise - as many (so I've heard) won't let un-potty-trained children in the pools. That said, it's posskible there may be a baby-sitting service. (I know people who have gone to all-inclusive holidays and have left (older) babies in the day care.)
I couldn't have left DS with anyone, esp not a grandparent, so I wouldn't go that route. If you have to commit one way or another and you're reluctant to go with a baby, I'd just stay at home. You don't know how clingy your baby will be, how happy you will be to leave (and if you're not happy, you won't enjoy the cruise.)
I would go, but that is me. My husband owns his own business and travels. I plan on going with him as soon as the pediatrician says it is safe. Otherwise, we travel ALL summer long for my husband works. I am not staying home, we are taking the baby. People joke that our baby will have its own frequent flier miles.
Go on the cruise. If it is a family cruise hopefully someone can take the baby one afternoon, so you can go to the pool etc. I would not want to miss that chance. It will be different than any other cruise you went on, but could still be different fun.
Sure, why not?
In fact, all my siblings have done this with at least one of their kids at that same age. It wasn't that big a deal.
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I'd probably go knowing I wouldn't be able to do the excursions. I'd probably stay on the boat at the ports. It can get really hot out there, especially if you have to wait in line to get back on the ship.
But, from what my friends have said, it's best to travel with an infant as opposed to a toddler!
I think I'd be inclined to go, but go knowing I'd probably not get to participate in everything. Since you'll probably be spending more time than usual in the cabin, you might want to think about upgrading to a balcony room, so you and DH can at least enjoy the views and maybe have a cocktail on the balcony while LO naps. Most lines charge a full adult fare even for infants (I think Carnival does not) so that's something to keep in mind too. I'd also consider the travel to/from port: will you be flying, driving, how far? Check out www.cruisecritic.com, they have awesome resources about cruising/traveling with kids. I absolutely looooove cruising, so personally I'd be inclined to give it a go.
We're trying to make a similar decision: DH's family has planned a massive reunion at Yellowstone in July '11. I'm trying to decide if driving/flying from Florida to Wyoming with a 6 month old and trying to enjoy myself in the park on vacation is do-able or the worst idea ever.