Hi,

We are trying to decide if going on a cruise with our 18 month and 4 year old is worth it. We want a family vacation but are also looking for private time. I see that there are clubs and baby sitters but are these cruises really geared towards little ones?

Thanks!
Nicole

If you're talking about Regent Navigator (formerly Radisson)then I would say none of their ships are child oriented. It's a luxury cruise line for young, middle aged and older adults. There are children on it from time to time especially in summer. There are lots of family oriented lines which would make you happier traveling with little ones.

With kids that age "geared towards little ones" really means is there childcare and are you comfortable with it. Check carefully any cruise you consider - many will not allow younger one into group childcare so make sure they have private sitters. Also, many cruises do not allow kids in diapers, swimmies or anything resembling such in pools - so decide if that will be an issue. Also check cabin arrangements - will you feel cramped in whatever size cabin all 4 of you are in. Meals - most kids that age do not sit nicely at meals, especially 3 times/day. Are you willing to eat in shifts, use room service, eat at buffets instead of main restaurant? Cost - you may be surprised to learn that the kids pay almost adult fare, with some discount for 4 being in same cabin. Shore excursions - what do you do with the kids as most are not suitable for rugrats.

I know people who have cruised happily with little kids, so it must be workable - just some thoughts to consider.

I believe you are referring to RCI's Navigator of the Seas.

Your 18 month old is too young for the kids programs on most lines, including RCI. You MIGHT be able to arrange in cabin babysitting but it is certainly not always available.

Cruises are not geared to handle kids this young so your private time will be extremely limited.

Almost on every ship I saw babies, which looked like newborns, with parent seem to enjoy the cruise. I always admired it and was thinking at the same time I'd never do it.

I would suggest the Disney Cruise Line - they really have it down pat. Dealing with families is their specialty. We went with 3 generations and all had a good time.

One tip, get a cabin with a balcony - you can sit out there during nap time and when they sleep for the night and be comfortable without being cooped up together.

I would be afraid of a balcony cabin with small children.

Your children are very young; and we have only cruised with HAL. With possibly one exception, I don't think I've seen children as young as yours on board. You might want to wait until they are a bit older; or maybe just take a resort vacation.