Cruising with 9 month old twins

[aggiedog]

My twins just turned 17. Wow, time flies! We've traveled with them, and their two younger siblings, a fair bit over the last 17 years.

Will you be driving, to be able to bring all the stuff you need? Diapers, formula, wipes. If not, can you have it delivered somewhere near the port? That can include strollers and baby gear. I know there is a company that rents it out at WDW, maybe someone here has info for DCL?
Absolutely yes to wearing the babies. It will make maneuvering everywhere easier. The downside is no big storage compartment under the stroller.
Umbrella strollers are easier to store, but your babies may not have the trunk support needed to sit up safely in them yet.
Whether or not the babies remember the cruise is irrelevant. If you enjoy it, or enjoy watching them have fun where ever you are, then it's a win.
There is absolutely something to be said for someone else cooking and cleaning. We did a Merrytime cruise this past Christmas, and I enjoyed the cruise predominantly for that very reason.
Our kids went thru several outfits a day at that age, and bibs. You can do laundry yourself, or just budget a bit extra and let the ship do it for you.

If you go into the cruise just wanting somewhere to relax, knowing it will still be 24/7 babies, you'll have a great time. Infant twins are stressful, no matter where you are. One of my biggest enjoyments those first 6 mos was just clean sheets! And as an experience mom of multiples told me when I was pregnant, "just know that every 3 months it gets even better." It's really true. I started to feel like a normal adult about the 9-12 month mark.

 

[Kuzcotopia1]

I want to say that there is nothing more frustrating than to hear someone suggest "leave them at home they aren't old enough to remember it" That isn't helpful advice and it is annoying to hear.

Agree on this 100%. I've seen many other posts like this, as well as people saying that it's not a "vacation" if you take your under 3-4 year old. It's all subjective; some can't leave their kids, some have no problems with it and others (like myself) are about to take their first big vacation with a child and don't need to hear how terrible it's going to be.

we brought the baby monitor from home and would sit on the verandah

I didn't even think of this. But this is a good idea! Then I don't have to bother getting up from my comfy seat and book.

Does anyone have any tips or advice for taking a cruise with 9 month old twins? Or a baby in general.

My first DCL trip is coming up (soon!) and while I can't speak from experience yet, I can tell you what I have planned in advance.

• I am mailing a box to the ship with diapers, wipes, bibs, cups, beach toys and other things I don't want to pack into my suitcase. You can have this mailed to the ship or mailed to your hotel (if staying overnight).
• I've also made sure to book the nursery. I didn't book her full allotment of hours (18) but I planned for certain times like the night of the fireworks and a few hours for the rainforest room.
• We booked a verandah room knowing we'd be there for naps and earlier bed times. I plan to bring on our allowed alcohol so I can sit on the balcony at night reading/hanging out. We aren't late night people to begin with so this will be reflective of our typical vacations anyway.

I honestly think it will be easier for you because your children will be younger. My daughter is going to be 14 months and she is in that runner stage. Really, I think adjusting expectations will be the biggest "to do" you'll have.