Cruise with a 5 month old baby

[megaelch]

Some of you will think i am crazy, but i think mommy ( and daddy too ) could use a 1 week vacation in march. Our baby boy will be 5 month old and i just wonder if any of you has done this before ??? Did you bring you little ones to a cruise ship in this age ???
Any advice is highly appreciated, whether it is -- yes go for it -- or --- you are more than stupid to try ---

Stephan

 

[Gillian]

I haven't cruised with an infant (yet) but 5 months is an easy age, in general. Just be prepared to do what the baby wants!

Another option for a relaxing vacation is an all inclusive resort. someplace with a beach &/or baby pools (can't use the DCL pools until trained). you can spread out more than on a cruise.

 

[Daynab]

We took our 10 monthold on a cruise last year ad made some mistakes. We had a wonderful cruise but would have changed a few things. First, keep your baby's sleep schedule in mind. Eat dinner early so the baby is not canky at the table. Make sure there is babysitting. Disney definitely has this for this age group. We travelled on NCL and they had jus changed their policy and we had no idea. We had no time alone. But the trip was not ruined. e still had a great trip. Also, we had a balcony cabin which was great because during naps and early bedtime we could sit on the balcony and enjoy the beautiful Carribean in private. Good Luck. Ifyou have any other questions you can e-mail me : anyad71@aol.com
Dayna

 

[CamColt]

We cruised with our 8 month old and he was easier than our 3.5 yo. We had late dinner which worked great. He would fall asleep in the early show so by dinner time he was awake and in a great mood. We had his carriage with us and when he got tired while we were out, he just slept in there. there was no ned to be confined to our room during nap time. We were able to enjoy the pool during the day while he slept in the carriage(Obviously someone was always there with him). He loved the servers in the dining room even though he didnt eat any food. He also loved the pool. Unfortuantely now, infants cant use the pool, but Im sure you will find other things for the baby to do. We never used Flounders so I cant give you any advice on that.
I think you will be fine.

 

[jendon1997]

Two years ago we went on the 4 night cruise, taking our 5 month old DD along. We had an excellent time. We had early seating for dinner. She ate with us. We stated on the boat while at Freeport. In Nassau we went to Paradise Island. We took a taxi, which drove way too fast. A little scary knowing your infant was there. We could not keep her in the sun long. People in Nassau kept telling us to take her out of the sun. Delicate skin at that age. A little scary knowing your infant was there. She loved the beach at Castaway Cay. We did go to 2 shows onboard. She was ok at one show, but fussed at the other and we had to leave. We were very flexible! We had an excellent time, and would not have gone without her!!

 

[dis4me]

We just returned from a cruise on November 16 with our 6 month old son. He was a joy. He loved the characters. He was fine at dinner. A few nights if dinner was particularly long and he fell asleep we brought the carriage in and he slept in that. We did use the nursery once but they told me he cried and I felt bad so I anever sent him back. They did have availability every night and the women there seemed very caring and knowledable about babies.
Any questions please email me or post here.
TMS7570@aol.com

 

[Gillian]

I'm gonna chime in again

I don't know about a 7 night cruise with a 5 month old. I've been thinking about it more, since we currently have one booked for when our baby will be about 7 months. I think it might just be too much - too confining, too many different locations, not enough of a daily routine. We are frequent travellers, and are not afraid to drag our 2 year old around, and he is very flexible, but I think we will all get more out of a trip where we stay in one place in a big room.

We did the 4 night with our 2 year old & it was great. But I am looking into other options for our first trip with baby #2. I want a place that will be like Castaway Cay 24/7 (with babysitting)!