Cruise newbie--cruising with 22 month old?

[jacquek95]

Hi! We've never been on a cruise before, but a great military rate has just come up for the DCL in September (something like $460/4 nights for ocean view) and we're thinking about going since we already live in Florida. We have a 22 month old that would be going with us. My dh has been reading a few reviews and noted that our dd would not be allowed in the pool (even in swim diapers). His understanding is that there isn't actually a kiddie pool (is this not a DISNEY cruise line). Anyways, if there's not even a pool for her to play in and she's too young for the "club" thing, is there going to be anything for her to enjoy on the cruise during the day (she'd probably love the shows at night)? We love Disney because we love just sitting back and watching her have fun, but we're really wondering if there is anything for her to have fun with if she can't even get in the pool. Any and all suggestions/advice/help would be appreciated!

 

[CM_Mom]

She won't be able to get in the main part of the pool but one of the "ears" of the Mickey Pool is set up for children in swim diapers. It's more like a splash area than a "pool" but is a place designated for children in swim diapers. There are characters all over the ship and she can spend some time in the Club IF you want to take her and stay with her.

Check out www.dcltribute.com/navigators for family activities.

Also check out this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=603120

I think if you got a great rate to go for it. Life is too short and we never know what tomorrow will bring - especially if you're in the military. Just spending time together as a family without the cooking and cleaning sounds great to me.

 

[Sarangel]

We're in the same boat... Except that we've already made our reservations. Our DD will be 25 months when we cruise in July 2005. We plan on leaving her at flounders a couple of times, playing in the Mickey ear, catching movies, seeing the shows, and just having a week to be a family. Flounders also has "Family time" in the afternoons, where you can go with your child & play with their toys, etc. I'm sure we'll do that too.

I'm not sure what stage of development she'll be at when we go, but I'm betting we'll find a way of enjoying ourselves.

BTW, the rate you got is wonderful. I'd say go for it.

Sarangel

 

[jodifla]

I, too, have a toddler -- he's 32 months old. It is rather shocking that they can't go in the pool. We live in Florida also and are swimming every weekend in public pools. What seems to have happened is Disney created Mickey's pool for little ones, then the CDC swooped in and put it off limits for non potty trained children when they had trouble with the Norwalk virus. Disney tried to accommodate the rules by converting one of the ears to a baby pool, but older toddlers who can swim will most likely find it totally inadequate, and be completely angry that they can't swim with everybody else who is playing in the pool just inches away.

You seem to have access to a very good rate, which will probably make it worth it to try the cruise. In addition to Flounder's, they can be in the club if you're with them, so that would give them access to the play area as well.

On Castaway Cay day you'll be at the beach during the day, and in Nassau, you can go to the beach or to the Wyndam Hotel on Cable Beach, which allows cruise passengers to use the pool and the beach. That would leave you the one sea day.

For us, we plan to do a 3-day cruise in the fall. I don't want to spend a day at sea with a toddler who can't use the pool!