Cruising with a baby
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They say no to the pool unless potty trained but there was a VERY shallow area under the cabana (Carnival Cruisline) it was only like 3 inches deep to keep people’s feet wet but it was perfect at that age because they won’t allow a blow up pool no matter how small lol I asked in advance. Also! Baby wear came in handy a time or two but not as much as the stroller. Idk if you pump but I EBF and I learned to rely on the premade formula bottles which were helpful on the cruise because walking back to your room for milk is annoying and unrealistic when you try to bring it “just in case” timing is not your friend with breastmilk. Bring a stroller fan and maybe a small umbrella for baby. I didn’t but at times I wished I had. It was VERY hot in Mexico. Which also makes me think of a thermos! For baby to have cool water at all times I usually don’t do ice but again it was really hot and it would melt anyway. Damn that was a lot but.. let me know if you think of any other questions
Sorry, last thing. Do a deep dive into what is on the ship. They might have baby care. Ours did and I think they provide you with a cell phone but… the way my separation anxiety was/is set up….
We went with P and O and it was brilliant ! Mine was 7 months - we booked before he was born. Order baby's passport once booked so you get it in time. He was allowed in the main pool. We went in May. I took a bodywarmer waterproof vest for over his costume and a ring. They had a night nursery. Absolutely amazing (but granted ours was a great sleeper from the off). Drop off about 7pm from memory. They had to be asleep when they went in or settle them to sleep there. We were given a buzzer so if he cried you just went back and settled him or if they wouldn't settle you could just take them with you. I didn't think I would be comfortable leaving him but the dtaff were lovely and he was safe. Having said that, if you want to take him with you which we did a few times get baby ear protectors then they csn sleep safe and sound with music playing . Could take as many nappies and wipes and formula as needed. P and O also offered baby formula on ship but only SMA brand and need to pre order.
Could also pre order baby jars for weaning. Breakfast, dinner and tea. They also had a 'kid's tea' at 5pm which we sometimes took him to so he could try some 'plainer' veg rather than the rich ones that are often served for adults. They did a couple of little play sessions on the daytime with sensory tots and could use the nursery to play at certain times. We also were provided with a travel crib , baby bath and bottle steriliser- pre ordered We also were provided with a travel crib , baby bath and bottle steriliser- pre ordered All pre ordered stuff was free no extra cost. Take pre- made baby milks for visiting on shore or we had the nuby Flasks where you just need formula and hot water and it brings it down to temp. We bought a Zummi Eden pram as our Oyster was too wide but he was growing out of it. It's got a big hood for shade and also bought a universal stroller umbrella to fit it. I would say do it ! We would 100% do it again!!!
Night nursery was open until midnight so we could go for dinner or a show or a couple of drinks
We live in the UK, I'm not sure where you are. But we drove to Southampton so no flying. P and O did offer a coach from where we live but we opted not to as I thought a crying baby would make people hate us ! In retrospect, I'd get the bus because he would have been fine. We broke the trip to Southampton into 2 and went to the Dino bit at Gulliver's World the day before then just got up the next day and went to the cruise terminal.
Oh, we also took 2 naprene nappies and huggies swim nappies. He wore both at the same time under his swimming costume. And a little swim hat to protect him from sun
@Joanne your trip sounds amazing. Where did your cruise go to?! (Sorry to jump in)
With P and O on the Arvia (which i belive is their newest ship) From Southampton around the Med (France, Spain and Italy) . Was this one https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise/K508/K508 Didn't bother with drinks package as we wouldn't have drank that much (wirh a baby with us)
@Jess it was amazing. If we ever have another I would go during my mat leave again. (I teach so we never get to experience out of term prices which are significantly lower).
We made sure they were all walks off or there was a bus from each terminal
My son was 7 months.. we couldn’t wait!! And it was a blast. I called ahead and asked all of the things. What do we need to bring? What am I allowed to bring? What activities are for him? Etc Unfortunately not much to do for them at this age we went with his dad aunt and grandma. Most age limits are 6months and up. Advice: bring the big stroller not an umbrella.. when he wasn’t in it we would use it for all of our luggage or bags throughout the day and even off of the ship. It also doubled as his crib (because our lays flat and the wheels lock in front and back) which was nice for mid day naps and in the room also even though they will have one for you if you ask. We just had a fairly small room. Which leads me to.. we asked for a king (because we partially cosleep as well) they put it in the middle which felt like a waste of space so we pushed the bed to one side and it felt much better.