cruising with a baby?
 

We're trying to figure out a vacation for June... we've never gone on a cruise and I wonder if it would be a good or bad idea with a 5 month old baby?

Anyone have any insight? or ideas of cruise lines or destinations that might be good? I'd love to do Alaska, but it might still be awfully cold then?

do a search here - I just enterred cruise + baby - and got lots of threads on the subject.

When you decide, remember it is not just the cruise part but any excursions that you want to take and whether they are baby-appropriate.

thanks. unfortunately a lot of them are just full of resposnses saying things like "your anniversary trip should not include children"... most didn't have specific advice about family friendly cruises.

You will find more answwers on www.cruisecritic.com. There is a board there devoted to family cruising.You'll find all sorts of info..a very active board with very nice helpful people.

Alaska can be 60's, 70's and even 80.It cools down at night.It's not going to be freezing but not HOT HOT like the Caribbean.

The problems with cruising with a baby is that most cruiselines do not have daycare or nightcare options for infants - unless you book private sitter in your cabin as some cruiselines will facilitate that. Also, eating at a table in a restaurant with an infant can get old rather quickly. Children in diapers are not allowed in pools, even to splash around. Cabins are small, walls are thin and babies are noisy. In addition, especially on an Alaska cruise why shor trips are such an important part of the experience, often infants can not be taken on shore trips.

These are just things to be aware of - obviously the decision is yours. If it were me, I would not find being in a cabin where I slept mere inches from my baby, having uncertainty about childcare, worrying at each meal if my baby was going to get cranked up and disturb others.

If my math is accurate, you currently have about a 2 month old baby. I am incredibly impressed that you can think straight, much less be planning a major trip.

When our kids were that age we did travel, but it was always to a place where we had a suite or cottage, and always had at least a kitchenette.

People report here that Disney cruises are more family/kid friendly - but I would also do some reading on cruisecritic as was suggested above.

Our son took his wife and then just 1 year old to an all inclusive resort. It was for families only and babysitting was included. On a cruise there are LOTS of things happening after dinner which means your baby can easily get off schedule and be fussy. You'd have to stay in cabin with sleeping baby or take baby with you to shows, lounges, etc. I personally can't see enjoying a cruise with a baby. An older child3+ is great becase they have activities just for them and often have slumber parities at night til a certin hour. If you can, leave baby with grandma or wait til baby is older before cruising . You will enjoy it so much more if you do!

You might want to check on the age of children in show lounges. I think I remember an age limit.
Or maybe I'm thinking of Las Vegas.

Some people get connecting cabins and bring another family member or nanny. Just make sure they are connecting, not just adjoining.

Alaska is not a good choice for a cruise with a baby for many reasons. You will not be able to take the baby on excursions and this is a huge part of the experience.

There is no childrens program for that age group on any line.

Babysitting may not be available at all for your cruise.

If you really want to cruise while your child is that young, I suggest considering a Disney cruise as they are best equipped to handle young children though you must still realize that your child will not be welcomed everywhere even on Disney.

Thanks for the replies... sounds like a cruise is not a good plan..

Gail - my baby's just turned 3 months old and I am barely thinking straight yet. :) My husband gets a month off in June, and I'm going to go insane if we just sit around the house and stare at each other for 30 days!!

and travelkite... sorry you felt the need to write a snotty response. I have to ask, because I've never had a 6 month old baby before, nor have I been on a cruise. So clearly this is all new to me. Thus the question.

Gail's advice is good~forget snippy comments from other people accusing you of ruining THEIR vacations by bringing your children~think about what you and your husband want and don't worry about what other people want. If you want to enjoy the excursions in Alaska, you just might end up staring at each other in frustration in a stateroom. If you want to enjoy the heat of the Carribean, you'll have to take turns holding the baby while the other one gets to swim. You might enjoy each other and your baby more if you go to a family-oriented resort. Good luck!
PS I, too, am impressed you are speaking in complete sentences!!

Some cruislines will not let you cruise with a baby that is less than 6 months old (and yes you will have to have a birth certificate). Consider that when looking for a particular cruise.

Yeah it's seeming like cruising is out... now the question is, where should we go? I guess that's a question for another forum. :)

Don't give up. It is all up to you. My friends cruised with 6 months old baby in March and had a great time. It was HAL Caribbean cruise.

jilln, check out the Beaches resorts; they are designed for families!

Decide what general region you want (Caribbean, southeast, etc.) and then post question - travel with 6 month old baby and list destination in title.