Best itinerary with a baby?

[jamieann]

Wondering everyone's opinion on the best itinerary for a baby somewhere between 6 and 10 months? How would an Alaska trip be with such a little one? Are the excursions too active/strenuous to do while baby wearing, etc.? Asking for re-booking onboard purposes and future reference =)

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

I would say " any" cruise but preference for least travel for you to embarkation port. Alaska has a lot of long day trips.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

We have only done Alaska as adults, but I think it is doable with a baby IF you manage your expectations. Does your baby nap on the go, or does he/she need to be in a quiet room? If you need to go back to the ship to nap, you will be limited to what is within walking distance, which is nice but may not give you a true picture of Alaska. For instance, you could walk to Creek Street in Ketchikan and check out the main drag in Skagway. However, if your baby will nap on the go, that opens you up to some low-key excursions like the train in Skagway or a crab feast in Ketchikan. You just couldn't be doing dog musher's camps and snorkeling!

But if you really want the easiest possible itinerary, I would say four-day Bahamas cruise.

 

[PandL]

We chose the 7 day Eastern...primarily because it has 3 sea days. We figured without babe the sea days will be a little more relaxing and it will be great to be close to the cabin for nap time.

 

[cscream13]

I can't speak to Alaska, but we also thought sea days were easier than port days when we sailed with our 7 month old son, so we chose the Eastern itinerary since it was 3 sea days, 2 port days and 1 Castaway Cay day. We did better on port days than I expected, but the best day with a baby was actually Castaway Cay. It was the best of both worlds - having the beach right there, complete with tram service and strollers around for use, plus being able to get back on the ship if we wanted. I guess I amend my prior opinion - if you could get a double-dip to Castaway cay, then I think that's probably the best itinerary with a baby.

 

[jamieann]

Great insight! The Castaway Cay double dip does sound like a wonderful option.

 

[bethy]

Agreed - Castaway Cay Double Dip or I'd just book the cheapest itinerary (i.e. not Alaska) and not get off the ship at all. Getting yourselves to and from the cruise will be enough effort as it is.

It also REALLY depends on your baby's temperament. There are a lot of things you don't have control over.

 

[argomANIA]

I don't have kids...but don't forget about this requirement also

Q: What is the minimum age to cruise?

A:Your child needs to be at least 6 months of age on the day of sailing for most itineraries. The minimum age for Transatlantic, Hawaii, and Panama Canal itineraries is 1 year of age on the day of sailing.