Cruising alone with the kiddos?

[disneymagicgirl]

My DH cannot go on our oct cruise b/c of work stuff. I am considering rebooking for a diff cruise sometime next year but the prices have skyrocketed.
I am also considering taking the 3 kiddos myself. DD will be 12, DS 3 1/2 and DS 22 mths.
Is it doable? Should I just fork out the extra money next year and wait?
Help!

 

[sesame_123]

I would say it's doable especially with the help of oldest DD but I would think it would add unneeded stress to what should be a great family vacation. If possible I would ask a friend or family member if they wanted to go in DH spot. That is how we (me, DD4, DS2 and my 2 sisters) ended up without my DH on our upcoming DEC trip. He is a little bummed about missing the trip but is still happy the kids get to go (I secretly think he is happy about it, house to himself and peace and quiet)

Whatever works best for you and your family is the only thing that matters, If you think it would be better with DH then wait and pay the extra if you think you can handle it and the family is ok then go now.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

Two little kids to one adult seems too hard. 12 year old will be a help but not as much as another adult. Could your Mom or sister join you?

My husbands is a commercial pilot and refuses to travel in his free time-so I do almost all vacations without him but I go to family (conveniently located near Orlando) so I have adult backup and he doesn't worry too much about us traveling w/o him.

 

[kcashner]

Frankly, I'd be tempted to wait till the 22 month old is almost 3 and fully potty trained. That way you can use the Oceaneer's Club.

I've traveled for 20 years as a single parent, but 3 kids is a bit much for one adult...even with a 12 year old helper. Take another adult or wait a while.

 

[eebadeeba]

I have traveled with three kids, and don't think twice about it. I think it depends on the kids and their level of independence. My middle one sticks to me like glue wherever we travel and oldest one is a great help. I just make sure the younger ones are in the double stroller whenever we are somewhere crowded so I can keep track of them.

Saying that I have not been on a cruise with them, but think it would one of the easier trips with them. Would you be putting the little one in the nursery?

Also, are you going to enjoy the cruise with only the kids? I think some people, including me would, but for others it would be worth the extra money.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[kamgen]

Not to discredit any other opinions, but I think it is doable! You can utilize Flounders, which was great in our experience, and spend some quality time with your baby too. I would talk to your oldest and see how she feels about helping on her vacation. You guys could create some fun memories together on this cruise...and it isn't like you never take them anywhere alone
I say go for it and have fun!!!! Dont get stressed, just roll with the punches and enjoy this time with your kids!

 

[eebadeeba]

I have traveled with three kids, and don't think twice about it. I think it depends on the kids and their level of independence. My middle one sticks to me like glue wherever we travel and oldest one is a great help. I just make sure the younger ones are in the double stroller whenever we are somewhere crowded so I can keep track of them.

Saying that I have not been on a cruise with them, but think it would one of the easier trips with them. Would you be putting the little one in the nursery?

Also, are you going to enjoy the cruise with only the kids? I think some people, including me would, but for others it would be worth the extra money.

Hope you have a great trip.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Thanks for your opinions!
If I go w/o dh, we will still do the 3 days in wdw prior as a family and he will fly home when the kids and I take dcl transport to the port. I was thinking we can rebook for the next year onboard therefore getting the 10% off and the OBC for 2012 as a family.
The other option is that he is able to do a whole week at wdw, just not the cruise, b/c he can still "work" from there. Then we would just do the land/sea combo next yr instead, but the cost will be $1000 more next year.
Decisions, decisions...

 

[SuperStar94]

I say go for the cruise. Your husband will still get to spend some of the holiday with the kids at WDW and, personally, I think that a cruise is the perfect place to go it alone. You can utilise the kids clubs if needed to have a little 'me time' and like you said you can then book another cruise for next year with your husband! If you did a whole week at WDW he could be a little distracted with work and the whole thing may not be as enjoyable as the cruise.