Single Parent w/ 8 Year Old

[Tennjim]

Thinking about taking a cruise with my daughter. Any single parents have some advice/stories to share?

[Kamloops Cruiser]

If there is another parent involved make sure that you get a notarized letter agreeing to let you leave the US with the daughter.

[fun2cruiz]

Originally Posted by doopydozer

If there is another parent involved make sure that you get a notarized letter agreeing to let you leave the US with the daughter.

Something like this will work for the OP:

CONSENT FOR MINOR CHILDREN TO TRAVEL

Date:_____________________

I (we):_____________________________________________ _________________
authorize my/our minor child(ren):_______________________________________ ____
to travel to:_________________________________ on:_________________________
aboard Airline/Flight Number:________________________________________
and/or Cruise Ship:_____________________________________________ with:
__________________________________________________ __________. Their expected
date of return is _______________________.
In addition, I (we) authorize:______________________________________ to consent
to any necessary routine or emergency medical treatment during the aforementioned trip.

Signed:_________________________________ (Parent)
Signed:_________________________________ (Parent)

Address:________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Telephone:______________________________________

Sworn to and signed before me, a Notary Public,

this _______ day of _______________, 20____
________________________________________
Notary Public Signature and Seal

[OklaCruiserMom]

I sense you're not looking for the 'get a consent letter' advice, but rather a few stories of experiences by single parent cruisers. Well... I'm not one yet. I am planning my first (and my three kids, twin dd 18 at sailing, and ds 11 at sailing) cruise on Allure, May 27, 2012. I have been a little curious about what it will be like with kids this age. We are planning this trip to celebrate my daughters graduating from high school, so the point is definitely family togetherness. (Which I'm sure we'll experience, with all four of us in an interior cabin!!) I picture us basically sticking together a lot, eating at the same times in the same places (although I know I will wake up early and take advantage of the peace and solitude on the walking track and the upper decks as the sun rises before going back to the room and waking them up for breakfast.) We will go to the same shows and stick close together in ports.

That said, however, I also look forward to some dancing and imbibing of 'mama drinks' in the wee hours, on my own, after I've gotten the offspring tucked into bed (or at least got them tucked into the cabin in front of the tv!) And I also look forward to maybe a few times dancing and people watching and enjoying the music in one or two of the clubs WITH my daughters! I think they are looking at this trip as a safe way to experience the whole club scene. What could be safer than having Mom doing some nerdy dance right behind you!?

When it comes to Little Man, my youngest rugrat, I hope that he will be able to go to a few of the many organized activities for kids, and that he will meet some kids his age to hang out with, but for the most part, we enjoy being together. Soon his big sisters will be out on their own and it will just be me and The Boy. We have to adjust to that.

So. Hope you enjoy travelling with your kiddo. I'm sure there will be plenty of organized, supervised activities to keep her occupied from time to time while you enjoy time to yourself, and there will be plenty of enjoyable things to do together when that is what you want to do!

Good luck!

[Florida Girl]

I'm a single Mom now and my son (6) and I travel frequently. I like to call him my "wing man". 8)

My suggestions are these: Get plently of rest, get plenty of fuel and hydrate regularly. A child will WEAR YOUR BUTT OUT on a cruise ship! There is so much fun to have and they will certainly have it. I wouldn't plan keeping too much of a rigid schedule, keep it lite and fun. Don't bore your kids with formal dinners, either. Probably won't like the food anyways...

Only other thing I see happen too frequently, if youre gonna drink, DO IT IN MODERATION. Nothing worse that seeing some drunk Mom or Dad with thier poor kids having to suffer through such irresponsibility. Save the swashbuckling for Cougar Cruises....that's what I do.