First time cruising with small kids
 

We are normal all inclusive land holiday travellers. Thought we would branch out to cruising to expand our opportunities but have concerns as we are travelling with 2 kids (5 yrs and almost 3 yrs old) I have read things about under 3 yr olds not being allowed in main pools and although they have age group appropriate activities, I believe that most "kids club" type activities are catered towards older kids. Together my girls will go anywhere but if I have to spilt them in age groups they wont go by themselves. Do I need a stroller to get around the ship and is it easy to accommodate? I have heard the best place for new cruisers to stay is mid ship, the lower the better for sea sickness but with little kids and always needing something back in the room, I don't want a 20 min trip when we forget something. Is the cheaper inside stateroom better than a balcony? I am concerned about my 2 3/4 yr old rolling off a pull down bed.
We cant afford a Disney cruise and price is very important so currently we are looking at a 7 day Carribean crusie - likely Carnival.
Suggestions? Tips? Information please???

My impression is that Carnival is big time party cruising. So don't know that I would want to take little kids. On the other hand I can't imagine a cruise with kids. I'm getting pretty old and so tolerate kids less, but seems to me that vacationing with little kids was a lot of work anywhere, but I think a cruise would be pretty tough. I know the modern idea is to take kids everywhere, but parents NEED a break.

I think it is an ideal vacation with kids. Carnival is a great line if you are travelling with your kids. If you check out there website "Camp Carnival" you will see what they offer. Your kids are in the right age bracket to stay together they offer three groups and the first one is ages 2 - 5 so they won't have to be split up. http://www.carnival.com/onboard/crui...-carnival.aspx We took our daughter on cruises when she was young (Princess cruises) and we never saw her. She had the time of her life. They really do a good job. So I say by all means take them. Also lower and center is best on a ship for less movement. It doesn't matter what deck you are on as far as distance to the cabin - there are several sets of elevators. If price is a major concern do book an inside cabin - you don't spend any time in it and on the Caribbean cruises you are in port most of the days. Just relax and enjoy it.

I agree with traveller69. I went on Carnival with my family and friends. My grandchildren loved the children's programs. I rarely saw them. We had inside cabins and had no problems plus that gave us extra money to spend. We only slept in our cabins. My granddaughter was on a rollaway bed and had no issues.

Carnival seems to do a good job with children, especially young ones (any complaints I'm aware of are mostly in the 9-11 age bracket). I've only traveled itineraries and times of year that seem to have fewer children, but the ones I observed were having a blast. The first time we went with DS he was still young enough to join the teen program, but he wanted to stay with us. He has mild disabilities and they were very accommodating and would have let him join the younger group if he had preferred.

There are drinkers and partying, but most of it is going to be late at night in the bars and lounges, and not creating an atmosphere that's unsuitable for young children.