How old is the youngest baby you've taken on the ship and how did you manage?

[cseca]

I'm REALLY considering taking a cruise with our new baby (she's 6mo now) in Jan or Feb 2010. She'll only be 8 or 9mo by then. We've been on DCL before so we won't be too desperate to experience everything all at once.
But I want to hear other cruisers experiences who've done this before...

Does it make any sense to bring a baby that young? I am concerned about germs on the boat as well... ugh...

Thank you!

ps: actually I'm going thru a disney withdrawal right now. The latest disney fix I had was during our wedding/honeymoon in April 08. I've never gone without disney for this long before! Even DH is feeling sorry for me. And he'll agree to anything disney at this point because of it hehehe

[kcashner]

A baby must be 12 weeks old to sail on the DCL ships. I am aware of one who boarded at 12 weeks and 2 days.

Does it make sense? That's an individual decision. You have Flounders when you want a babysitter, you have a room steward who will tend to the dirties, etc. twice a day...so in that regard it is easier than being at home. Just realize that the vacation is for you, not the infant.

There is a supply company that delivers infant supplies to the ship for you, but they are very expensive. A better option is to rent a car to drive to the port and make a supply stop on the way. Limited amounts of stuff are available in the gift shops--pricey, and limited in sizes, variety, etc.

[PearlySwan]

Originally Posted by cseca

I'm REALLY considering taking a cruise with our new baby (she's 6mo now) in Jan or Feb 2010. She'll only be 8 or 9mo by then. We've been on DCL before so we won't be too desperate to experience everything all at once.
But I want to hear other cruisers experiences who've done this before...

Does it make any sense to bring a baby that young? I am concerned about germs on the boat as well... ugh...

Thank you!

ps: actually I'm going thru a disney withdrawal right now. The latest disney fix I had was during our wedding/honeymoon in April 08. I've never gone without disney for this long before! Even DH is feeling sorry for me. And he'll agree to anything disney at this point because of it hehehe

^^^ Hi Cseca! We took our youngest on the one and only Disney cruise we've ever experienced. It was a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean 2006 cruise. Our son was only 3 months old! He turned 4 months right after we got back from the cruise. Managing was quite simple with him. We brought tons of diapering supplies and infant clothes (though diapers are sold in the gift shop and laundry services are available through house keeping and/or you can do your own). We brought our own stroller/car seat system. I nursed him so I didn't need to bring bottles and/or formula with me, but I did bring some just in case. The gift shop sells some infant supplies, including formula. I don't know which formula brand they carry because we didn't buy any. We booked our baby son at Flounder's Reef (babysitting services) a couple of times. I would make sure to leave him at Flounder's Reef after a feeding. I always brought a change of clothes and diapering supplies for him (just in case). He would fall asleep while in the nursery because it was right after nursing and diapering. DH and I went to brunch and dinner at Palo while our son stayed at Flounder's Reef. We felt quite confident he was well taken care of by the CMs in there. Btw, we have some really great pictures of our darling baby sleeping with Dopey standing next to him. We are hoping for another Disney cruise next year because we would like for our son to actually experience the cruise. He just turned 4 yrs. old recently.

Enjoy your cruise!

[84disney]

We took a six month old on The Big Red Boat. That was about 16 years ago. He was the youngest of our 5 children at the time. I nursed him, so no bottles were needed, and we had a blast. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. We have gone to WDW many times, and have always had all our children, so always had a baby at some age. But if you aren't looking for just your total entertainment, and would just love some pleasant times with nice weather and some new things to do, I would say ....I know I would do it . I think you would love it .

[akeogh]

If you are craving Disney, and your husband is up for it, then pack your bags! You should definitely go! I had a similar Disney crave when I was pregnant and booked a DCL 3 night for when my daughter would be 6 months old. (Our other two children at the time were 5 and 3). We really did have a wonderful time, although we were envious of the parents who had all of their children in the Kids Clubs -- they seemed less tired and frazzled than we were. So, in a perfect world, you would go when your child is 3, but that is way too long to wait. You should go now and enjoy.

Also, the ship is so clean!! There are hand sanitizers everywhere. And I LOVED Flounders Nursery. The staff was so nurturing, the lights always seemed dimmed, and it seemed to me to be a very peaceful, restful spot. You will feel confident with the staff. Definitely budget in for that so you can enjoy dinner at Palo's and enjoy the adults-only pool area.

[cseca]

Originally Posted by kcashner

A baby must be 12 weeks old to sail on the DCL ships. I am aware of one who boarded at 12 weeks and 2 days.

Does it make sense? That's an individual decision. You have Flounders when you want a babysitter, you have a room steward who will tend to the dirties, etc. twice a day...so in that regard it is easier than being at home. Just realize that the vacation is for you, not the infant.

There is a supply company that delivers infant supplies to the ship for you, but they are very expensive. A better option is to rent a car to drive to the port and make a supply stop on the way. Limited amounts of stuff are available in the gift shops--pricey, and limited in sizes, variety, etc.

12 weeks! WOW!!! That's pretty brave. I think I was still in the brain fog land at that time. Thank you for your help. I saw the link for the baby website and it's interesting. Hoping I won't have to use those expensive items or services.

Originally Posted by PearlySwan

^^^ Hi Cseca! We took our youngest on the one and only Disney cruise we've ever experienced. It was a 7-Night Eastern Caribbean 2006 cruise. Our son was only 3 months old! He turned 4 months right after we got back from the cruise. Managing was quite simple with him. We brought tons of diapering supplies and infant clothes (though diapers are sold in the gift shop and laundry services are available through house keeping and/or you can do your own). We brought our own stroller/car seat system. I nursed him so I didn't need to bring bottles and/or formula with me, but I did bring some just in case. The gift shop sells some infant supplies, including formula. I don't know which formula brand they carry because we didn't buy any. We booked our baby son at Flounder's Reef (babysitting services) a couple of times. I would make sure to leave him at Flounder's Reef after a feeding. I always brought a change of clothes and diapering supplies for him (just in case). He would fall asleep while in the nursery because it was right after nursing and diapering. DH and I went to brunch and dinner at Palo while our son stayed at Flounder's Reef. We felt quite confident he was well taken care of by the CMs in there. Btw, we have some really great pictures of our darling baby sleeping with Dopey standing next to him. We are hoping for another Disney cruise next year because we would like for our son to actually experience the cruise. He just turned 4 yrs. old recently.

Enjoy your cruise!

Very cool! That makes me feel better.
What do you think about the dining rotations? Were you able to do most of your regular dining?
And did you have to sign up for flounders way in advance to get your times?

Originally Posted by 84disney

We took a six month old on The Big Red Boat. That was about 16 years ago. He was the youngest of our 5 children at the time. I nursed him, so no bottles were needed, and we had a blast. It really depends on what you are looking for in a vacation. We have gone to WDW many times, and have always had all our children, so always had a baby at some age. But if you aren't looking for just your total entertainment, and would just love some pleasant times with nice weather and some new things to do, I would say ....I know I would do it . I think you would love it .

Thank you! I'm hoping I could convince myself that it would be worth it...

Originally Posted by akeogh

If you are craving Disney, and your husband is up for it, then pack your bags! You should definitely go! I had a similar Disney crave when I was pregnant and booked a DCL 3 night for when my daughter would be 6 months old. (Our other two children at the time were 5 and 3). We really did have a wonderful time, although we were envious of the parents who had all of their children in the Kids Clubs -- they seemed less tired and frazzled than we were. So, in a perfect world, you would go when your child is 3, but that is way too long to wait. You should go now and enjoy.

Also, the ship is so clean!! There are hand sanitizers everywhere. And I LOVED Flounders Nursery. The staff was so nurturing, the lights always seemed dimmed, and it seemed to me to be a very peaceful, restful spot. You will feel confident with the staff. Definitely budget in for that so you can enjoy dinner at Palo's and enjoy the adults-only pool area.

3?!?!?!?!?! YIKES! I so agree. That IS too long... We're already signed up for Dream's MV. DH thinks that DD will definitely be ready by then... 1.5yo.

I can imagine your disney craving during pregnancy. I was dreading the year and a half without a trip during my pregnancy as well. Altho like I said I was pretty much in a brain fog most of those months ...

I'm so glad you think that the boat is pretty decently sanitized. I'm just nervous especially with all the H1N1 stuff floating around. But I figure she will be around us most of the time anyways. I just have to remind DH and myself to wash often.

What did you do about dining and shows? Did you do them or mostly skip the shows and did buffet?


Thanks so much everyone!

[PearlySwan]

Originally Posted by cseca

Very cool! That makes me feel better.
What do you think about the dining rotations? Were you able to do most of your regular dining? And did you have to sign up for flounders way in advance to get your times?

Cseca: The dining rotation worked out perfectly. We did make a change at the beginning of the cruise because my TA had accidentally booked us for late seating. For dinner we ate at Animator's Palate, Lumiere's, Parrot Cay, and Palo. Our baby slept in the car seat throughout most of our dinners. On our Palo dinner night, he went to Flounder's Reef. Since we had to switch from late dining rotation to Main Seating rotation on our first day, I had to change some of the dates/times I had booked for Flounder's Reef. I was also able to add a couple of other times so DH and I could go to the adult pool. You won't have any problems getting time in the nursery if you call them at least a day in advance. I was able to get him in there once within 2 hrs. of booking him. Btw, DD, then 5, also loved Oceaneers Club/Lab.

If you are worried about the dining rotation, my suggestion is to book Main Seating when you book your cruise. This is the most popular time for families with young children and infants. Your baby won't be the only young child in the dining room.

In short, I think you should go for it! As other posters have already said, this cruise is for you and hubby, not your baby daughter (although you'd be surprised how well entertained she'll be while on the Disney cruise).

[TexasGirl]

We took our son when he was a 4 months, almost 5 months old. It was pretty confining. Lots of time in the cabin...lots of patience. Glad we went though. The best part was just drinking in how wonderful he was and spending time with him. (I work full time.)

We did use Flounders and they were very careful and good with him. We also did dining room several nights.

It was probably my least enjoyable cruise...cruise wise...but still had good times and loved being with my family. I coudn't fathom leaving him behind.

We took him again at 13 months and that was pretty hard too.

He was nursing so that helped. He was sooo tiny. Go for it. I'd do it again. We made some marvelous memories and big sister had a blast. It just will be a different kind of cruise. Of couse, you're doing this for YOU not the baby. Again, that was the best part. Just being with my sweetie....no matter where we were. He's 4 now!

[NYhorsefarm-mom]

We cruised when my oldest was 9 months old and we cruised when my youngest was 1 year old. I always had a great time. I walked and walked with the baby in the stroller. There is so much to look at and everyone is very kind and happy to see a baby. The servers were very helpful during dinner but sometimes my husband and I would have to switch off to eat. I definitely think it can be fun and worth it but you have to have realistic expectations. Being able to sit on a verandah while your child is sleeping is nice too (but not totally necessary).

[wheelerkidz3]

we are cruising this weekend...and my little one will just turn 4 months old friday!! on our first disney cruise, our dc#3 was only 9 months old. he was a late crawler, so that made it a bit easier, cuz he was still pretty content to sit on our laps or in a stroller. i'm hoping that this cruise is great!! we'll see how it goes with a really little one!

[chats9195]

We are also sailing this weekend (on the Magic). We will have my 4 month old grandson with us. He turns 4 months on Thursday.

[cseca]

Thank you so much everyone! I'm working on picking out a trip right now!!!

chats and wheeler, let me know how you guys like your trips. I'd love to hear some tips and suggestions!
Have a wonderful time!!!!

[wheelerkidz3]

Originally Posted by chats9195

We are also sailing this weekend (on the Magic). We will have my 4 month old grandson with us. He turns 4 months on Thursday.

awww!! so there will be another little one onboard!! your grandson is one day older than my little one. we'll see you onboard!!!

[Tarabra]

We took our son on a 4-day when he was 9 months old. It was a PERFECT age. He was sitting up, but I wasn't pushing the crawling. Just because I knew he would be all over the place, so as far as that went, he was pretty easy. It was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much better than when we went on a 7 day w/ my daughter at 20 months. I was breast feeding as some of the others mentioned, but he also would drink the travel bottles of enfamil which were great if needed. I brought along a few of the plastic containers of baby food, but we didn't even use them. He had 8 teeth at that point and ate whatever we ate. The servers can also puree whatever you are eating, but we didn't need to do that. We had late seating, so he was able to stay awake and watch the shows prior to dinner. He LOVED the shows and did MUCH better than DD when she was 20 months and VERY squirmy. He also sat through dinner completely which DD didn't do. He loved the splash pool, check out the pic below. Don't plan on any excursions. We just stayed on the ship in Nassau. The best thing to bring is an umbrella stroller, but be sure it has a visor. He spent alot of time in it, and it is much easier to navigate than a bigger stroller. We never used Flounders w/ him, but did w/ DD. No worries. As far as germs, I didn't worry, but then H1N1 wasn't around. We spent a week total in the parks and ship and just brought a whole box of diapers. I kind of squeezed them throughout my suitcase. It gave us more room for souvenirs, etc. on the trip home. He loved the characters and after the cruise started calling Mickey Mouse "DitDat" since we asked "who IS THAT?" every time we saw Mickey! He called him that forever. I'm sad that he now calls him Mickey. Don't worry about him not remembering or enjoying it. You will remember it and enjoy seeing things through his eyes. FTR...DD was 3 at that point and MUCH better!!! We are going again this Apr when he will be 2 1/2 and she will be 5. Can't wait. (although he'll probably be a little tougher to handle at that age! Potty trained already so that'll be much easier) Have fun! Enjoy! I'm here for any questions.

[wheelerkidz3]

we are back from our week on the magic. my little guy turned 4 months the day before we boarded. it was great!! he was super easy on this trip. (he's a good baby normally, but i was worried that he would be out of sorts!) we didn't take a stroller...i just carried him in my sling. and i was so happy not to have to deal wiht the stroller in the halls and elevators! he is only nursed right now, so feeding wasn't an issue at all. i did book him in flounders twice. the first time he was there, there were about 3-4 other kids in there too. mine was sleeping the whole time, so he stayed in the back in the cribs. the second time he went, he was the only one there!! it seemed very clean...he seemed to enjoy it, except when it got late, and mommy wasn't there to rock him to sleep!!
all in all, i'm very glad we went with him at this age.i'd def do it again!!!