Have you ever taken a cruise with a 1 year old?

FullHeartMama · March 2012

Are we crazy? DH and I are trying to plan a vacation for our anniversary and we'd love to take a cruise with DS - he'll be just over a year old at the time.

We've never been on a cruise before! If you've done it with a little one, do you have any words of wisdom? Any sage wisdom based on previous experience?

One of our biggest concerns is bedtime. We're willing to be flexible, but DS normally goes to bed at 7:00 PM. He goes to bed pretty easily, but I'm concerned that if he's in the same room with us (in his P&P) and he can see us, he'll just sit up/stand up and cry/whine for us. We don't really want to spend hundreds of extra dollars on a suite (where he'd have his own space) even though that would be ideal. We're trying to imagine a way we might put up some sort of curtain or something and plug in his white noise so he has as much of his own space as possible.

Any thoughts on the bedtime thing? We'd love your suggestions. If this is crazy, we'll start planning another trip! Smile

Thank you so much!!

shelbell1028 · March 2012

We went on a cruise when DD was 11 months. We had a balcony room and with a pnp it is TINY! We brought our white noise machine b/c we sleep with one at home every night. DDs bedtime is 8PM. We would get her PJs on right after dinner and do laps around the boat. The walking/running really tired her out. Then we'd put her in the stroller and walk around until she fell asleep. We probably did this 5 out of 7 nights. We'd put her down once we got back to room and then hang on the balcony for a couple of hours.

We all had a blast. I would definitely do it again. If your LO is not a good/sound sleeper a cruise would be hard unless the ship has a 2 bed family suite.

mamainseptember · March 2012

We took DS on a cruise when he was 10 months. Honestly, we had a ton of fun, but I probably wouldn't do it again. The room was a regular size cabin and DS was not into the small crib they put in the corner. DS had a VERY hard time going to sleep, plus, 7pm is when all the action starts on cruise ships, so there were loud people in the hallways.They charged us full price for him even though he didn't eat much, although they did provide formula. The excursions were fun, but very limited since DS was young (most were 3+ or 12+). Overall, it was a fun trip, but I wouldn't do it again. I would rather spend the money on an all inclusive and have more options. Good luck with you trip!

mommyton&e · March 2012

We did a cruise when DS was 19 months and had a really good time. I do have to say my parents, my sister and some friends came. My mom watched him one night so that my DH and I could go out. The excursions were fun. We found plenty that were baby friendly (and free for him).

We used there small travel crib. I would let him fall asleep in bed with me then transferred him to the crib. I would then read until I was ready for bed.

We did a Carnival Cruise.

topbirdsix · March 2012

We went when E was 13 months. The evening routine was typically dinner on the early side (we were seated before 6 every night) then a long walk back to the room. Get into pjs, read books, turn all the lights off fall asleep.

H typically went back out while I was putting her to bed. 9 times out of 10, I fell asleep too.

We coslept.The bigger issue was once we got home, and transitioning her back into her crib.

KristenFMR · March 2012

No but I will in about 10 days, cannot wait. Check out the cruise critic message boards lots of info on cruising with babies

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