babysitting?

#1 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 10:09 AM

Can anyone tell me how Princess' babysitting policy really works? My grandfather booked a family reunion cruise for my family for this coming December on Caribbean Princess. My twin boys will be 23 months and too young for the kid center program. As there any possibility at all of hiring a maid/steward to watch them sleep in the cabin at night (and maybe during dinner) so that I am not stuck in the cabin each night? Thanks in advance.

sea angel · #2 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 11:46 AM

Sorry to say that Princess does not have ay babysitting services. You may want to bring a nanny/sitter along if it is in your buget.
Good luck and happy sailing,
Sea Angel

#3 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 11:54 AM

Thanks for your response. I know that their official policy is that they do not have babysitting, but I was wondering whether it was possible to make alternative arrangements. I cannot afford to pay for another cabin and airfare to bring a babysitter with me. I would not have chosen Princess because of the babysitting issue, but my grandfather booked the cruise for the whole family without consulting the policy first.

LisaK · #4 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 12:46 PM

since you are doing a family reunion cruise, i think that some of your family would be willing to take turns watching the twins to give mom and dad some grown-up time off.

sea angel · #5 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 02:48 PM

Dear Alex,
It is against Princess rules for an employee to "moonlight" as a babysitter. Hopefully, you can get a break with the help of family members.
Best Regards,
Sea Angel

#6 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 03:20 PM

My family members have not exactly expressed joy at the thought of pitching in with the babysitting. I have to say at this point that I am not exactly looking forward to going. Not sure how I am even supposed to eat dinner (my kids do not exactly enjoy sitting still for long meals). My grandfather booked it expressly because the TA told him that it was a good cruise for families with kids because of the new kid center. He is much older and it did not occur to him to ask whether (as it turns out to be true) Princess is the ONLY mega cruise line that won't allow babysitting. What an utter disappointment.

sea angel · #7 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 04:11 PM

Is it a great line for families, but the kids have to be 3 and potty trained.
I hope it works out for you!
Sea Angel

#8 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2004, 04:11 PM

i have heard that there is group babysitting, but i'm not sure if its for infants or kids.

#9 (**permalink**) June 1st, 2004, 08:52 AM

bump