Best Age for Cruising?

[abendler]

We just went on the Merrytime cruise with our wild 18 month-old DD and our eight year-old DS last week, and it was much tougher with her this time than the last one in July (14 months).

We had main seating for dinner, and unlike our first cruise four months prior, she could not sit through dinner to where my husband or myself had to leave, while the other stayed with my DS and finished. So by the third night, we decided to feed her before dinner and had her in the nursery during dinner, so that the three of us could actually eat and enjoy it.

She actually LOVES the shows and sat through all of them, so we picked her up from the nursery around eight, showered, went to the shows in our matching pajamas, and straight to bed afterwards.

During the first two days, her tantrums were so much, we were contemplating on canceling our next cruise in March. But once we got acclimated and figured out what nursery schedule worked best for us, it was great! Well besides her and I getting phytophotodermatitis (a.k.a. margarita burn) on our hands from the limes at a guacamole making/beach port adventure on day two...who knew lime juice + sun exposure can cause second degree burns with blisters.

My DS is very hesitant with the Oceaneer's Club and won't go for the first couple days. He tends to get clingy with my husband and I, but once he was comfortable with the ship, he went. He even stood me up twice with BINGO on the last day.

Given how our DD was on our most recent cruise, we aren't planning on doing any port adventures, not setting any expectations, and to just go with the flow and be flexible for the next cruise. And if we don't make it to dinner or miss an onboard activity, it'll be okay, and we'll still have a blast!

 

[Jhondy]

I took my DD on her first Disney cruise when she was only a few months past 3 years old. My kid can be a handful (I love her to death but she is so stubborn and determined and full of energy). During the cruise, she refused naps and stayed up way late every night. There were definitely moments of melt downs and frustrations (like during the entire Royal tea party that I now regret that I ever did) but overall it was the best vacation ever. My daughter did not care for kids club so her and I hung out together the entire time. We always had lots to do and I loved seeing how happy my kid was the entire time we were there and how much she really believed all the characters were real. My kid asks multiple times a week if we can go back on the cruise. I really wish I could take her back on the cruise but for various reasons we have to wait some time before going back.

 

[Annabell]

We took DD cruising when she was 4, perfect age imo. She loved it.

 

[limespy]

We just cruised with our kids for their first time--they're 5 and 2--and we all loved it. I'm ready to go again. Our little one still naps once/day and I didn't find that to be annoying/an inconvenience--but that's just a matter of perspective IMO.

If you enjoy your child and you enjoy traveling and you enjoy traveling with your child, go for it.
If none of the above is true, don't cruise.

 

[NEGeekymama]

We love cruising with our kids, and they love it too!

Our oldest (17 now, yeesh) was not quite three when we first took her on a cruise. She did great. Our youngest (9 now) was a bit younger and had recently turned 2.

I'd say it's much easier when they're old enough to go to the kid's club and not the paid daycare (and when they're fully potty trained!) Especially as they get older...you'll only see them at dinner time!