3-6'er with a ???

jcole32444 · May 2011

We will be going on a family cruise when Jay is 18 months. H and I are debating on whether or not we should take him with us. His cousins will be going who are 7, 4, and 3. Would you take your LO? I am a first time mom so I am not sure exactly what to except at 18months, is it a good or bad idea to take him. Any and all thoughts appriciated, Thanks.

liza0828 · May 2011

Well, we're taking DD on a cruise this summer; she'll be 17 months. I don't know that this will be the greatest idea; however, the whole family is going to celebrate the ILs anniversary. I wouldn't want to leave DD for 10 days, so we're taking her. I'm going into it with lowered expectations-- e.g., we're not going to be able to do a bunch of excursions and stuff. I'm fine with that.

mylittlesunshine · May 2011

You are brave...lol

I don't think DH and I would take DD just for the fact that when we go on cruises I want to relax, lay out, going on excursions when you get to ports and maybe have a few drinks and stay up late. You will not be relaxing a whole lot if you bring an 18 month old. You can forget about him sitting still. Unless you have someone there to watch him, I wouldn't.

ASmallWonder · May 2011

I can't say if you should or not but most, if not all, cruise lines don't have child care for kids under 2. That means you can't have any alone time or adult dinners unless one of your family members watches him. You'll also have to be back in your room for bedtime nice and early. Only you know if you're cool with that though

groovygrl · May 2011

Well my frame of reference is different w/ 2 of them but at that age, you're constantly chasing them to keep them out of/away from whatever it is that is dangerous & I have honestly never been on a cruise but I think I'd personally be nervous about taking a child that age on a cruise just b/c of the constant need to be on top of safety issues & also I'm not sure if you'd really be able to enjoy yourselves. However, since it is a family cruise, if you have a helpful involved family, it could be really nice b/c there will be others to help & also to watch LO so you & your H could have some R&R and alone time.

If it were us & we had someone to watch them at home and it was only like a 4-5 day cruise, we'd probably just go ourselves to be honest but that is just us & we never have that option since we don't live near family & none of the grandparents are really able to watch them for extended periods, so it is just hypothetical for me! GL!

Ciarrai · May 2011

I totally would at 18 months and I think you'll have a blast! I would also splurge for a room with a balcony or something for naps. I remember when a friend of mine went on a cruise when her DS was about that age. She said she was so glad they got the balcony. She and her DH hung out on the balcony reading books, drinking and chatting while their DS napped every day and someone (sometimes her parents since I think they were on the cruise with them) did the same thing at bedtime since bedtime was about 7:30ish. Just be flexible about things and get the space you can. Have fun and good luck!

rosesandpeonies · May 2011

haven't been on a cruise but I have travelled with her and I think it would be fine. We are going on our first trip with 2 under 2 soon.

SaranJonathan · May 2011

We took LO to cancun at 15 months. Remember it turns into a vacation chasing a toddler. There was no laying by the pool, the beach, etc. She wanted to run around ALL the time. It was fine for us though. Also no excursions (I wanted to snorkle but not possible). If you have family members to help out you may not have these issues. Also when she went to bed so did we.

Really depends on what you expect out of the vacation. We knew it was going to be like that going it so it was a blast for us.

Good luck

SailorGray · May 2011

Since his cousins are going and they are also pretty young, I would take him. I would feel weird not having him there if other kids are and it seems like the trip is going to be pretty kid-friendly with the others.

PizzaBride · May 2011

I would absolutely take him. DS is at SUCH a fun age right now & I would love to take him on a vacation.

doggylovr · May 2011

We cruise often but have not gone since DS....that being said, if your expectaions are to relax...absolutely don't take him...if your expectations are to spend alot of time in the room hanging out during naps/bed time then go for it.....since the other cousins will be there you probably wont be doing the nice several course dinner anyways so you wont feel like your LO is holding you guys back from that....I dont know where you are cruising to but there are also usually restrictions for the pool and kid usage. ALso childcare is usually only available for kids over 2....good luck with your decision....is it doable- yes but it will be hard

lifesadance · May 2011

If I had a place to leave DS (i.e. with my sister, my best friend, or with my parents) for the duration of the cruise, I'd leave him. By 18 months they're in the "terrible two's" but more than that I'd want to relax and enjoy the time on the cruise without worrying about DS and catering to his needs and wants. I, personally, would make it a nice vacation for myself and leave DS with someone who he knows and who loves him.

LoriJ11 · May 2011

Ciarrai:
I totally would at 18 months and I think you'll have a blast! I would also splurge for a room with a balcony or something for naps. I remember when a friend of mine went on a cruise when her DS was about that age. She said she was so glad they got the balcony. She and her DH hung out on the balcony reading books, drinking and chatting while their DS napped every day and someone (sometimes her parents since I think they were on the cruise with them) did the same thing at bedtime since bedtime was about 7:30ish. Just be flexible about things and get the space you can. Have fun and good luck!

This. One of my best memories of our honeymoon was our talks and nights on the balcony I think you'll have fun if you have some family to help here and there so you can relax for a little.

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