Looking for a last-minute vaca in late Feb/early March for my wife and I and our two children (2 months & 3 1/2 years). Would love some beach time w/relaxing vaca (as much as 2 young kids permits). Is a cruise a bad idea? Flying from Indy and not looking to spend a ton.

For me, sharing a small cabin with an infant and a young child would be awful. Having to eat every meal in a restaurant would also be a negative.

I'd prefer someplace warm where I could rent at least a two bedroom cottage or condo. That way, we could have our own breakfast and lunch, we could stock the foods our little one likes, we'd have a frig, and a place to sit when the kids nap.

Be aware that kinds under 3 cannot take part in the children activities. Also they are not allowed in pools under 3.
With the whole family in 1 cabin doesnot seem a good idea.
I would advise you to rent a condo in a nice beach resort.

There is no such thing as a relaxing vacation in any form with kids that age (and I am not a kid hater - we have travelled with our 2 kids - now teenagers - since birth)

Personally, I would wait until your children are older before trying to cruise with them. Also, many cruiselines will not accommodate infants under the age of 6 months. You might want to find out for sure before you book.

If the baby will be 2 months old late Feb/early March, s/he must be just born days ago. You have my admiration that you even have time to think about a vacation now.

I think you would have a more relaxing trip if you booked a villa on a Carribbean island rather than taking a cruise. Most 2 month olds don't sleep through the night. I wouldn't want to spend my vacation being concerned that my child is keeping the people in neighboring cabins awake (and I don't want to spend my cruise in a cabin next to a 2 month old). If you rent a villa, you'll have plenty of privacy and the kids can make much more noise without disturbing anyone.

It is not a good idea (and may not be allowed by the cruise ships)to take a baby who has not had the proper immunizations to certain ports.

Thank you all for your insightful feedback. I should have clarified that my son is currently 2 months old & will be 4 months at travel time. Nonetheless, we have decided and agree with all of you that a cruise is a bad idea. I am intrigued by a carribean villa vaca, though I don't know of any good spots. Suggestions?

maui lover,
Go to vrbo.com, (vacation resorts by owner) and check out all the places where you can rent. We have used this site to rent in Kona, Sedona,AZ, Whidbey Is,WA, Sunriver, OR and Palm Springs. You deal with the owner and everyone we have had contact with has been great.