Thoughts on 20 Month Old Going on a Cruise

A cruise is an excellent vacation and fun for everyone, unless you have a 20 month old that you have to keep an eye on constantly. At a resort it would be easier to keep things a little more calm. The cruise has lots of activities, and they do have "babysitting" services, so it would not be horrible, but I think you would be able to enjoy it more, if you were not worrying with a baby. Perhaps save that for 35th?!?! You need passports for everyone too, which ever way you go. Many resorts are awesome, and more laid back. A personal choice all the way around. Have fun. Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and God Bless.

We went on a cruise when my second child was only 11 months old, and it really wasn't a hassle or a big deal at all. The worst part was the flight, which thankfully was only 1 1/2 hrs, but trying to keep him still sitting in my lap for that long was a challenge. I would think a 20 mth old would be a little easier since it would be easier to keep her occupied. I don't advise against it at all, and don't really have anything negative to say about it...except that make sure if you are taking a stroller, it is a small umbrella stroller so you don't have room issues on the elevators :-) Have fun!

S.,

We took our daughter, then 22 months on a 5 day cruise. I have absolutely no complaints. The cuise staff were all very welcoming and went above and beyond to help accomidate us with her. We also had other family members with us. The only suggestion is, don't forget the stroller! You should use an unbrella stroller as the rooms are small and the bigger strollers take up too much space and its much easier to maneuver around the ship and through the crowds with a smaller unbrella stroller.

Hope you have a great time! We did.

Hey S.,

We recently went on a cruise with my then 2 year old and many other family members. We took a Carnival Cruise and she absolutely loved it. We chose not to take her the Camp Carnival they have for children but chose rather to keep her with us. She absolutely had a blast and talks about going on the BIG BOAT all the time now. There are lots of activities that the children will enjoy. Many pools to keep her entertained and lots of other activities.

I think it is a great choice. We all had a blast and are already planning our next one, little one included. It is truly something she will not forget. If you have any other questions please feel free to send me a message.

Either way you will have a blast.

I have not gone on a cruise but I have vacationed and some advice for which ever you might decide is get a nanny! One provided by the resort. They can follow you anywhere and it is so helpful without you having to leave your child with someone that you don't know or a daycare of resort providers that you don't know. It always scared me that my child would go missing but this was a perfect resolution so that I could have a good time too.

S.,

We took my 22 month old son on a 8 day cruise from San Juan and it was one of our best vacations ever! He had SO much fun, and it was so laid back. Our flight was 4 hours, and he did great. We brought along plenty of toys, and made sure that he could have his own seat on the flight so we could use his car seat. It was a lifesaver! Cruise lines are WONDERFUL with small children, and we never even took him to the kiddie area. There were no safety concerns from our part, but you will have to watch her (just like you would anywhere else). In fact, I think it is safer than just hanging out at the beach because it is more difficult to get in the pool, go down stairs, etc. You have to pick what you do on port a little more closely (there are lots that they can't do), but we really just wanted to have a relaxing vacation and didn't do anything that crazy. Plus, if you have that many family members going (like we did too), you will always have someone that can help you out if you are in a pinch. I HIGHLY recommend cruising with her...she is plenty old enough! Have fun!

When my son was about 22 months, we took a 7 day cruise. He had a good time. The staff was great with children. He was too young to be left in the kids area but we took him there once. We were never bored and, with a cruise, it is easy to go back to your room at nap time. I would research some kid friendly cruises.

I have an 8 month old and a 28 month old. We just went to Florida (not a cruise) with them, and the main issue for us was not the flights, but nap times. The baby takes a morning nap, so at least one person had to go back to the room with the baby during naptime. Afternoon naps were just miserable because if one would fall asleep, the other would wake up. If the sleeping situation were easier, we'd travel more often for sure!

I'm sure safety is not an issue, especially since you will have so many other family members traveling with you. Cost depends on a lot of different factors, such as # of days, room with a view or interior, and which cruise line. You can also probably get some deals through a travel agent by booking together with your flight.

We're in Huntington, WV, and the flight to Florida was not long at all. Under 90 minutes. Kids under 2 usually fly free if they sit on your lap, but I recommend you buy a separate seat for your child and have her sit in a car seat instead of trying to have her sit still on your lap unless she is a very compliant and cuddly child. Make sure your car seat is approved for use on a plane beforehand. If you don't want to use the carseat, then just stow it under the plane with the luggage. You'll need it for the car ride to the cruise ship. The wait in the airport was long and boring, especially since our flight was delayed, so be prepared to walk around with your child because she will probably not want to sit in a seat that long. Bring her a backpack with quiet activities (magnadoodle, books, a doll, etc...) and a snack.

Hi S. ~ We have 6 children and cruising is the only way I will vacation now that we have experienced it. We have gone on a 4-day and a 7-day, the 7 day is like being in heaven!

My children are older but we saw many babies on board. Just be sure to bring an umbrella stroller. There is lots of walking required and everything is very tight. Camp Carnival might be available for those that age and my kids had a blast! Have fun!