Going on our first cruise w/ a toddler ! any tips?

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maple

Hi. I've worked on a cruise line in children's programming, and also helped out in the nursery of the cruise line. Generally, you want to bring items that you are accustomed to using with your son--no brainer, right? Toys, books, baby products that you prefer him to use, etc.

MAJOR TIP: BRING WARM CLOTHING. I'm not sure if your son will always be in your care, but staying inside your cabin at night can get very cold if you want good air conditioning. If you leave your son with the nursery on the ship (if you choose to do so, providing that they have one), the A/C will most likely be fairly high. A warm blanket might be suitable, as well.

ALL CRUISED UP AND NOTHING TO WEAR: Hey, it's a cruise to the Caribbean! Bring clothes suitable for excursions (which could be hiking, biking, snorkeling, or sight seeing)--these clothes will vary depending on what you intend on doing. I suggest bringing clothes for physical activity, casual walking and dining. Of course you should bring swim wear! You may not go to the beach, or on the ship's pool, but there most likely is a hot tub and a spa. Most important: bring clothes for the Captain's dinner: semi-formal attire (shirt & tire/ black dress) for the fancy dining experience.

SAY CHEESE: If you have a a photo or video camera, bring it. Especially a video camera. This moment will be special for you guys, and you want to savor the memories by watching them again and again. Digital cameras are great, but an old 35mm still does the trick. Bare this in mind: cruise lines have a photo crew that take snap shots of everyone almost non-stop. During the cruise and at the end, you can view pictures and order the ones you like. But it can get quite pricy...

HOT! HOT! HOT! Slip-slap-slop as they say in Australia. That means to get that sunscreen/sunblock on. It doesn't matter your complexion: I'm black and I still get burns on my neck and shoulders when exposed to the sun for a long time. Yep, me too! It's the depleted ozone layer, but that's another Yahoo! question to answer...know what is right for you to use, and use it regularly, especially for your son. Shades and caps/visors/sun hats are highly recommended. Go for lighter clothing--whites and earth-tones--when travelling and touring places when in the sun for long periods of time.

MONEY TALKS: Bring it. Excursions, on shore purchases, emergencies--money always is helpful. TIP YOUR HOUSEKEEPER WELL. They work really hard, and you don't see what they go through behind the scenes.

...that's all I can think of. You should be okay otherwise. I believe cruise line websites have info about what to bring, so check that out. I'm curious what ship you are travelling on, but either way, have a great voyage!

kdupes116

definitely ask his doctor for seasick medicine, if he has a certain one for their specific age.
I would give him the medicine around the clock, whether he shows signs of getting seasick or not. Because if you all the sudden run into rough seas, he could all of the sudden start throwing up.
Better to keep him on it every day/night.
Also bring really good and strong sunscreen. The sun is very strong out on the open water. Make sure it's water proof and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Maybe you could also ask his doctor for a recommendation on that also.
Most importantly, watch him/ like a hawk!
On cruises there are all types of people and you never know what kind of people they are.
My kids are climbers and they make me nervous every time we stay in a hotel.
First thing I do is remove ALL furniture from the balcony so there is nothing to stand on. I'm too afraid they will stand on chair, lean over to see something and tumble over. So removing furniture helps with that.
Have fun and be safe !

Tim

i dont know, but i wouldnt take my kids on a cruise ship with all the virus' going around on them. Cruise ships are havens for sickness from the travelers & from the staff's poor hygeine & the food prep. I hope he has all his shots & take some hand sanitizer & use it often, you know how 2 year olds are. they have to touch EVERYTHING & put their fingers in their mouths. good luck

arecibena_ausente

And here is for what to do there:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=58

Enjoy!

veroanique

Enough sure-fire toys and trinkets to keep him entertained in case he goes through a period of not wanting to have anything to do with the ship (some kids will love being there with all the new people and things, but others will at some point crave their "routine" and thus, their "familiar" things, since they obviously can't just go home). Some snacks that you know for sure he likes (same reason), and lots of warm-weather clothes along with 2 jackets or sweaters, some warm pants, and socks, just in case it gets too windy or chilly in the evening (trust me, even in the hottest countries in Asia where it ALWAYS seems to be 90 degrees, it can actually get cold all of a sudden too). Besides, there will be places on board with air-conditioning, and sometimes that's where you'll need jackets. You'll of course need your swimsuits, and if you want to, you can even bring an inflatable ring or arm bands for your son (so you worry less). The most important thing to bring.....is your patience! You never know with toddlers - it could be a breeze if he decides he likes it, but it could also be very trying otherwise. Be sure to remain calm if you ever go into smaller boats, so you refrain from instilling fear into them, 'coz THAT can REALLY get ugly. Then you need to ask his doctor for all the meds he might need (for fever, pain, cold, eareache, and of course motion sickness, among others).

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