Bringing toddler on the cruise

[stacybabb]

Does any one have any advice/thoughts about bringing a 3 year old on the plane, on tour buses and on a cruise? We are going on the Carnival Valour ship. I am worried about how he will be in the plane as I heard that the plane really will hurt his ears! Also wondering how people have dealt with buses and taxis... should I bring the car seat? Any advice would be great!

[BobMiller]

Plane rides can be torture on small children that have not learned to “pop” their ears with the changing air pressure. At 3 you may be able to compensate by bringing chewing gum. The chewing will often help equalize the pressure for them. The confinement to sitting still in a chair is often hard for an energetic toddler. Depending on the length of the flight you may be able to tire them out before hand, give them a big meal and hope they nap through the flight. Probably not though since there is a lot going on and they will want to see it all.

Yes, you need to bring a car seat. Follow the same guidelines you would have at home. They are designed to protect the children. Many of the ports of call do not have the same laws as the US but the cars are still just as dangerous if not more.

The cruise should be no problem at all. Just remember there will be a lot of distractions to watch out that the little one doesn’t get tripped over. Should be a lot of nice places that you can enjoy with them.

[Trip]

One hint to avoid the justifiable glares from passengers. Bring a small blow up pool, so your child can play comfortably by your side on deck.
I say this , IF they are not potty trained. Going in the hot tub and yes kids that young do go in, or the pool, with a pamper on, is a no no....

[Nicnme]

I would suggest an umbrella stroller. Our DD was almost 4 on her 1st cruise last May and it came in VERY handy! Have fun and go with the flow (it was much different schedule than at home)

[katlady]

Originally Posted by Trip

One hint to avoid the justifiable glares from passengers. Bring a small blow up pool, so your child can play comfortably by your side on deck.
I say this , IF they are not potty trained. Going in the hot tub and yes kids that young do go in, or the pool, with a pamper on, is a no no....

The United States Public Health Service requires that only children who are toilet-trained be permitted to enter swimming pools and spas onboard cruise ships.

[LisaK]

go to the banner at the top of the site, click on cruise articles and then go to family cruising - you will find a lot of helpful information there.
a couple of side notes, umbrella strollers are the way to go. As for the car seat, depending upon what islands you go to, some of the cabs are very old cars that don't even have seatbelts, and as for flying, you MUST buy your child his/her own seat, do not let him/her sit on your lap during the flight, it is much to dangerous, i am not sure it is even allowed anymore, try to plan your flight around your childs normal nap time if possible.

[Rev22:17]

stacybabb,

Originally Posted by You

Does any one have any advice/thoughts about bringing a 3 year old on the plane, on tour buses and on a cruise? We are going on the Carnival Valour ship. I am worried about how he will be in the plane as I heard that the plane really will hurt his ears! Also wondering how people have dealt with buses and taxis... should I bring the car seat? Any advice would be great!

Go for it!

The cruise ships operated by all of the major cruise lines have children's centers staffed by professional counsellors with programs for children age three and above, which all of the children seem to enjoy. Note that children must be toilet-trained to participate in this program. Also, their dining staffs are well prepared to cater to the needs of children of all ages. Your biggest challenge aboard ship probably will be that of tearing the child away from the children's center when it's time to eat.

You might want to consider taking the child to "nice" restaurants a few times before your cruise, just so your child will have some familiarity with dining in such situations and will know what to do -- and what NOT to do!

You also need to consider your accommodations aboard ship very carefully before booking. In standard cabins, the third and fourth births are usually upper berths -- where you might not want to put a three-year-old. A few ships have sleeper sofas or sleeper love seats in standard cabins, but these are the exception. Also, a standard cabin usually does not have enough space for a travel sleeper/playpen unit. You might want to spring for a "deluxe" cabin, a handicap cabin, or even a small suite to obtain a more suitable arrangement.

When flying:

>> 1. If possible, book a WINDOW seat for the child.

>> 2. Have your child bring a small backpack ("personal item") packed with "quiet toys" with which to play and activities (crayons, coloring book, etc.) to do on the plane.

>> 3. Bring a supply hard candy on which the child can suck during ascent and descent -- the consequent swallowing will relieve the pressure differential in the ears.

>> 4. Bring a supply of a favorite snack food of some sort -- but NO liquids or gels -- in case the child gets hungry during a delay where food is not readily available.

>> 5. Before boarding each flight, try to find a place where the child can burn off excess energy at the airport before boarding your flight. Many airport terminals now have play areas for young children in the gate concourses that would be perfect.

>> 6. Make a "potty" stop just before boarding the plane. It's a lot easier to take care of this need on the ground than in the cramped heads on most airplanes.

>> 7. If you must connect, be sure to allow plenty of time on the ground to get a meal, allow the child to burn off some more energy, and make a "potty" stop before boarding the next plane.

Overall, the airlines are pretty well prepared for youngsters.

In your ports of call, plan shore excursions or other activities that your youngster will enjoy. If you have doubts, the shore excursion staff on the ship should be able to advise you as to suitability of tours for a three-year-old.

And I definitely agree with the recommendation to bring a stroller with a sun shade for use in the ports of call!

Have a great cruise!

Norm.