celebrating baby's 1st bday

Hi, We will be taking our son who is turning one on the Carnival Destiny this October. I keep having this fear that the baby will not feel comfortable in the ship and we will not be able to enjoy ourselves. Has anyone taken a baby this young on a cruise and were you still able to enjoy yourselves? Also, we will be celebrating his first birthday (we are a group of 12) on the cruise. I understand that carnival will provide us with a birthday cake.. any suggestions as to what I can bring (decorations..etc..) to make it a little more festive?

Thanks for your help!

I'm the family cruise editor here. My son turns two this month and has been on four cruises already. All were great experiences however I did change my expectations before the trips. Don't expect to have tons of time to lounge around like before you had kids. If you realize that you'll still be busy with your little one yet will be in beautiful surroundings with great spots to go to the beach, etc. with your family, I think you'll do fine.
Make sure you read the article on this site that I wrote called "Taking the Baby." It gives helpful hints about cruising with an infant and toddler.
Let me know if you have add'l Q's.
Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey Gaynor