Cabin choice - cruising with a 2yo

[flipchick]

We are planning a cruise to Alaska with our two year old daughter and I was wondering what type of cabin might be suitable for us given that our daughter naps in the afternoon and goes to bed earlier than we do. She needs the room very dark to sleep so I was thinking an inside cabin would be perfect but then if we go on to watch TV while she sleeps, then we risk waking her. We are considering going aboard the ms Volendam or Norweigian Sun. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Catherine

[dina]

I've slept in all types of cabins. The curtains they put in the cabins totally block out the sun. Your baby should be fine napping in the afternoon. I will tell you that the inside cabins are pitch dark all the time and that can be very very nice. You will need some kind of night light in there so you don't have to keep the cabin lights on all the time. The inside cabins are smaller so you will risk the chance of waking the baby.

[Mermaid]

An inside cabin is going to be the darkest of course, but the draperies do a good job of darkening an outside cabin during daylight hours. The days are going to be longer in Alaska. If your toddler is going to be sleeping in a pack-n-play you can drape a folded sheet over the sides to create a visual, and darkening, barrier. Try letting your daughter fall asleep with a little background noise, music or the TV. You can then increase the volume on the TV a bit after she is asleep. A small flashlight for moving about the cabin, or reading can come in handy too.

[lfgaynor]

I always preferred an outside cabin -- with a verandah if you can afford it -- when my kids were still napping. That way, once they're asleep, you can sit on the deck and read or watch the scenery rather than being stuck in a dark cabin while there is beautiful scenery gliding by outside you! The curtains in the cabins are pretty heavy to make it dark.

Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey
Family Cruise Editor

[flipchick]

Thanks, everyone for your responses and suggestions! I think I will go ahead with an inside cabin this time and will be sure to bring a night light or some kind of flashlight (and a book light as well!). You've all been very helpful!