Cruiseing with a 4 1/2 Yr Old

We have been on 5 Carnival cruises, and loved them all! Granted, it was before our baby was born. Carnival does have good kids' programs. We've discussed when we would go again w/ our son. My primary concerns would be a) would he get sea sick and b) teaching him to stay away from the railings. I don't know exactly how high the railings are on the ship, but it's surprising how easy it would be for someone to jump off. I don't mean to scare you, but I would want to keep a very close eye on my son & make sure he understands it's dangerous to be near the railings on the open decks. Usually 2-3 decks are open. Also, we loved having a balcony, but with a child, I think I would advise against it. Other than that, I think 4 1/2 years old is probably a good age to take him. I'm sure Carnival can give you advice on how to cruise w/ a child.

I loved going with my 3 year old on NCL but a couple of words of advice.

Make sure to check out the kids club hours ahead of time. On NCL it was only from 12-2 and then from 4-6 not very convienant. The sitter service was very expensive as well for anything outside those hours, so we just took turns with the whole family on who stayed with the kids instead of paying the outragous fees for the sitter.

Also make sure you take something for seasickness for your son. I took some Chewable dramamine just in case for my daughter and thank goodness, the second day she was so sick, but with the dramamine she was fine after about 4 hours.

We were going to take a cruise also with our three little kids ages 6,3,2 but last minute we had to cancel. We found out that carnival offers Camp Carnival for the kids (he would be in the 2-5 age group) and it sounds like a great all day program and it includes meals also. That way you can take your little one with you and he can enjoy activities during the day while you also get to enjoy yours and still be able to see your angel at the end of the day or during meals if you decide. Then there's no guilt that your enjoying yourself so much without him!!!! Let me know how it goes with what you decide, we are going to plan for a cruise next year with our little ones.

I've taken my now almost 7 yr old on 3 week-long cruises and she's LOVED each of them. She was 4 on the first cruise & we participated in the orientation (first night) dance party in the disco. The kids all had fun - the Carnival character was out there dancing w/ all of us. We've done various tours at each port & she enjoyed seeing the sights. Some parents opt to leave the kids in Camp Carnival while they go on shore (I figure she's on vacation with me & she should enjoy the sights as well so she comes w/ me). They have all sorts of activities - reading, games, art, etc. There were kids who seemed to be in the Camp all day long. I had her there for perhaps a couple of hours over the course of the entire week but she ususally wanted to stay a little longer each time I went to pick her up.

I think you're 4.5 yr old will have fun. If he's in daycare now & used to being around kids, he won't have a problem at all. They provide evening sitters as well if you decide you want a little evening fun w/ your husband.

Oh, and my daughter loved having dinner in the dining room each night. We usually plan it so that we're going to the nightly shows afterward and she has always enjoyed the shows (the music, the lights, the dancers, etc.)!

Have a great trip! You're making me want to plan another cruise!!! ;)

I have been taking my 3 year old son on cruises since he was a baby.. as this is how we spend christmas with my in laws. I love carnival. The camp program is great.. the whole ship is great with kids. My son loves coming to his room and finding the characters they make out of towels on his bed. My only other advice is go to www.vacationstogo.com we got all of our cruises for atleast 7 days each cruise for under $350 and that was for rooms with views. My son loved looking out the windows

dear M.
Last year we celebrated my daughters second birthday on carnival's miracle ship...it was a wonderful experience. my daughter and husband awaken each morning to breakfast on our private balcony and she fell asleep holding one of the animals made from towels found on the bed each night. Carnival has a camp that opens around 7am and closes around 3am. There are planned activities for all ages (2-15) all day and through the night. you have the option in the evening to bring the children in their "pj's" with pillow and blanket.
most of the ships have a giant slide to enter the pool, because of this it is easy to keep the children occupied while at sea, if you don't opt for the camp.
btw, on our ship the councelors were formally educated and had childcare courses.
smoking is allowed only in the casinos...so if you find yourself wanting to have a drink or participate in a talent show at midnight children are welcomed.
One thing i did for my daughter, was pack her favorite toy/book and blanket.
have a wonderful cruise.
M.