What should I prepare for when taking a seven-month old infant on a cruise?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

The First thing you need to know is the cruise line policy on infants. The rules may differ by cruise line but here's what Royal Caribbean requires:

"NFANT POLICY
Infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour. However, for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American cruises/cruisetours and other selected cruises/cruisetours, the infant (as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour) must be at least 12 months old.

As of April 22, 2008, the list of cruises to which the 12 month minimum age requirement applies (in addition to all Transatlantic, Transpacific, and Hawaii cruises) is as follows:

* Mariner of the Seas - January 4, 19, February 3, 2009;
* Splendour of the Seas - March 30, 2009;
* Legend of the Seas - October 23, 2009.
* Legend of the Seas - November 4, 2009.

Any cruisetours associated with these cruises are also subject to the 12 month minimum age requirement.

Denial of boarding for infants who do not satisfy these minimum age requirements may also result in the denial of boarding for one or more guests sailing with that infant. No refunds or other compensation shall be due from the cruise line to anyone as a result of the denial of boarding to an underage infant or other accompanying guests."

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are partners so the same probably applies on their ships.

Here's what Carnival's policy says:

"Can I sail with my infant?

Minimum age for sailing will be generally 6 months and 12 months for Transatlantic, Hawaii and South American cruises. This is a company policy which takes into consideration the safety and comfort of the infant as well as the other guests. Carnival has fully researched the legality of the policy and it is not discriminatory and does not violate any applicable law. Carnival will not make exceptions and do not allow for the signing of waivers or releases to make an exception to the policy."

Carnival is the parent company for Princess, Holland America, Cunard and some other cruise lines so the same may apply on those lines.

Beyond that if you do go on your cruise you should take your stroller as its a long walk to get to things in ships and it will save you having to carry the baby. I have seen infants/kids in strollers and in some cases in high chairs in the dining rooms. SO they do make accommodations, within their policy.

Also, most cruise lines do have kids programs to keep them busy all day but I think your infant will be too young, except maybe on Disney ships. Some of the cruise lines, Like Carnival do have baby sitting services for a fee; they watch the baby in your cabin. Here's from Carnival's web site:
Is Camp Carnival Available for Children Under 2?

"Camp Carnival is unable to accept children Under 2 years during activity times but we do offer babysitting services for you within Camp Carnival. We do not offer in cabin babysitting. Babysitting services for Under 2's are available each evening from 10pm-3am as well as our Family Play Times on Sea Days and during freeplay times on port days. All babysitting services for Under 2's are charged at babysitting price ($6.00 an hour). During Family Play Times on Sea Days parents with Under 2's are welcome to stay with their under 2's at no charge. Check the on board Camp Carnival capers for specific times."

The new large ships do not get much motion, especially in the caribbean. So I don't think that will be a problem

Kevin L

Just so you know, some of the major lines will not allow and child under 1 year of age to sail. And you could be denied boarding at the pier.

Josh

Get a baby sitter or grand parent is your best choice I would say unless the baby is very calm. Hard to really enjoy the cruise if you have to attend to your child all the time. Also a sea sick baby would be miserable. You can try it but be cautioned. Definitely consult your pediatrician and see what they have to say.

ladykatie

You will probably have to dedicate an entire suitcase to diapers and baby food/formula. A couple tips for you; bring a bottle warmer to have in your room that....also bring jarred baby food rather than the plastic gerber ones so you can heat them with the warmer. Also bring one of those little umbrella strollers just for around the ship, the bigger ones are hard to push around some spot. They will provide you with a port-a-crib in your room (though I'm wierd I prefer to bring my own) and a high chair at dinner.
I don't think seasickness is a big problem with infants? Maybe check with your pediatrician to see if you can give the baby some type medication or something. I know Bonine works great for adults....like Dramamine without the drowsiness.
The only bad thing I can think of is that at that age they are too little for the kids program, and it is hard to join in any activities with a baby on your hip. Bring Grandma along to give you a break!

Have fun!

Cigar Man

Chaos! I laud your desire to include your infant but I have seen VERY few infants on cruises. Talk to the baby's doctor and see what he says. You could be in for a rough ride, particularly at sea.

miko

I have to give you a pat on the back for your courage. I went to the Carribean last february and saw a few parents dragging babys and (With bad sunburns btw) and stollers on exscersions. Did not look like the moms and dads were having loads of fun to me. My only suggestion is to pack plenty of sun hats for the little one.

tbugs

You are a parent. You should know that a 7 month old on vacation is going to take up most of your time.

I would suggest a few things, though. Plan to eat dinner in your cabin every night. The cabin steward will bring in your food and it will be delicious. This way you do not have to subject other passengers who have paid their money to hear your child cry during dinner. Dinner is an event that takes about an hour and a half. It is a time to relax and make dinner conversation with your tablemates - not to hear a crying child.

It would be best just to take the child to the grandparents for the week and enjoy yourselfves on the cruise. Other passengers would enjoy that idea, too.

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