I am a first time cruiser set for a Western Caribbean cruise in Dec w/ stops in Cozumel, Belize, Key West and Progresso/ Merida. I am wondering about the excursions, and which ones would be good for me and my three year old. I was interested in the descriptions of a river wallace/ ruins tour in Belize, but was wondering about the river boat (rails on the sides? smooth ride? etc.) and the chichen itza and/ or altun ha or tulum tours. Also, there is a kayak tour in Key West that says good for all ages, but I'm wondering if a three year old is really going to be okay on an 1 1/2 kayak trip??? Anyone with experience or info on this is much appreciated!!!

Hi Marilyn,<BR><BR>Stay away from the Kayak. A todder will adjust to any sightseeing tour as long as there is a rock or two to climb on. The ruins will be perfect.<BR><BR>Paul

NONE. This kid belong at home!!! We took our kids on cruises when they were 10/13 and 10/14 and they have wonderful memories. A todler will remember nothing, be a pest to other people who paid a great deal for their "dream" vacation and generally disrupt everyone's trip including yours (if you are reasonably responsible and try to mind the youngster). Wait to take a child til they are at least 8, preferably 10 or 12. Beg grandparents to baby sit or make simpler plans that a toddler can enjoy.

Thanks for any helpful info on excursions for toddlers (for those capable of posting intelligent replies) <BR>I think the ruins tour sounds interesting as well. Chichen Itza is supposed to be spectacular.

This must be the new way to travel with toddlers. Was in Bermuda a few weeks ago and was very surprised at the number of babies and toddlers on board. Can't see how it could be much fun for them or the parents. About 1 a.m. we even saw parents with a youngster in the disco and he was screaming his head off.

Just about any cruise should be fine. What I do at dinner is throw back a bottle of wine and just relax. Your three year old can have fun exploring the dining room and I'm sure someone will take a liking to him and play with him. Don't worry, just wing it.

No, the ruins would not be good for your toddler..the stairs and the intense humidity. If you insist..the best place would be at local beaches.. Better yet.. staying on the ship and having the kiddy pool to him/herself.. I do agree with everybody else..the best place for your toddler is at home, grandparents would probaby adore having the baby to spoil for a week.

In Progresso the beautiful beach is at the end of the pier. Complimentary transportation. No facilities at the beach, plan ahead. No alligators in Merida (maybe fake ones in Wal-Mart). Cosmopolitan city.<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR><BR>Paul

During your stay in Key West, your toddler would, as you will also, enjoy the Conch train tour all around Key west. There is an aquarium nearby that has a touch and feel tank the kids love.

Your best bet is to go to a beach. <BR>Remember you will have to buy an excursion ticket for your 3 year old. <BR>Excursion's are not cheap. <BR><BR>The islands are hot. The ruins are no place for a 3 year old. Forget the kayak tour with a 3 year old.<BR><BR>Personally I would never take a 3 year old on a cruise. <BR><BR><BR><BR>

Hi, I hope your 3 y.o loves the ruise as much as mine. Its all he talks about. When in Cozumel, we usually hop a cab to the beach. Grab a few pieces of fruit and some cereal from the breakfast buffet. A good idea to to pack is one of those small insulated bags..(even a lunch bag). You can pack water and sippy cups in ice. We also love to walk around the town wih the kids. I would steer clear of the ruins with a toddler, but thats IMHO. <BR>Key West, you can do just about anything land based. Town is cute and there is plenty to do. <BR>Hope it helps.<BR>

No one will think ypur toddler is cute when he wonders around the dining room and puts his sticky fingers on everything. Cruises are too expensive to have them ruined by crying children. I want peace and quiet on a cruise.

Easy solution Debbie. Sail exotic itineraries or sail upscale ships.<BR> <BR>Bottom line .... spend more money.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Paul<BR>We only go on cruises of 10 days or more and we go on upscale cruises, so you really don't know what you are talking about. Do ever actually go on cruises or do you just like to talk about them?

77 cruises as of today.<BR><BR>Sorry if I offended you in some way.<BR><BR>Paul

WE HAVE BEEN CRUISING FOR YEARS. THE LAST TWO CRUISES WE TOOK OUR INFANT TWO YEARS AGO, AND HE TUTRNED TWO ON THE VOLENDAM LAST YEAR. EVERYONE WAS IN AWE OF HOW WELL BEHAVED OUR TODDLER WAS AT ALL TIMES. IT IS HOW YOU RAISE AND TREAT YOUR CHILD THAT BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN THEM. WE MADE SURE TO NAP HIM BEFORE OUR SECOND SEATING DINNER. HE LOVED THE SHOWS, EXCURSIONS AND THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE. ALL PASSENGERS COULD NOT BE MORE GRACIOUS AND BLOWN AWAY BY OUR WONDERFULLY BEHAVED OUR TODDLER WAS. EVERYTHING WE DID, HE DID TOO!! NEXT WE HIT THE ROTTERDAM. <BR><BR>P.S. HE LOVES LOOKING AT THE HUNDREDS OF PICTURES AND VIDEO OF OUR TRIPS AND CAN'T WAIT TO GO ON THE NEXT SHIP. HE TRAVELS EXTENSIVELY..WE DO ON BUSINESS AND PLEASURE...HE HAS BEEN ON TWENTY FLIGHTS AND IS 2...NEVER ANY COMPLAINTS...BE SURE TO NAP THEM WELL, TREAT THEM WELL AND GOOD MUNCHIES ON THE EXCURSIONS.

I see that you will be on the Carnival Pride. Although I personally think that you should not bring such a young child on a cruise, I will let others bash you for that. <BR><BR>I have to say that the conch train in key west should be fun for the little one. As for Belize. I went on the snorkeling excursion with sharks and rays and i have to say that is not something for a young kid. really hot and long, bumpy boat ride.<BR><BR>As for Cozumel, take the kid to the beach and relax. The shopping that this city offers will surely bore your kid.<BR><BR>In Merida/Progresso we took the excursion to Chichen Itza. I don't think that a 3 year0old would do too well on that because it is a 2 hour bus ride (each way) and when you are at the ruins, it is very hot and you walk the entire time. You don't have to walk up the castillo if you don't want to, but if you do, a 3 year old does not belong with you on the climb.<BR><BR>All in all, you will not have as good of a time on this particular cruise with such a young kid, but if you take the kid anyway, realize that you will be severely restricted in fully enjoying several of the possible excursions.